Natural latex in primary forms market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for natural latex in primary forms in Ecuador declined from 20 757 t in 2018 to 19 851 t in 2020. This decrease coincided with a period of external economic difficulties, including high inflation, reduced foreign investment, and a falling GDP, which constrained production and limited new investments in the sector. The development of a legal framework for organic products, including natural rubber, established a foundation for future growth but did not offset the immediate economic challenges.

After a slight dip to 19 782 t in 2021, the market volume grew to 21 148 t in 2022 and reached 21 957 t in 2023. This expansion was accompanied by a sharp rise in imports, which increased from 344 t in 2021 to 2 335 t in 2023, while domestic production remained stable at around 19 600 t. The growth in market size was thus primarily driven by higher import volumes during these years.

By 2024, industry sources highlighted activity in specialized segments, such as the production of nitrile gloves by local company AGRILATEXA S.A., and the influence of growing Latin American demand for natural rubber. General economic challenges continued to limit investment, but interest in sustainable and competitive business models persisted.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador ranked 22nd globally in the production of natural latex in primary forms.

Top producers of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

World map of production of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ecuador produced 19 678 tonnes of natural latex in primary forms, representing a 1.6% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 19 376 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 19 840 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.3%, whereas the most significant increase was in 2018, at 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Ecuador exported 0.6 tonnes of natural latex in primary forms, showing a substantial year-on-year increase of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, all of Ecuador's exports of natural latex in primary forms, in terms of volume, were directed to Peru, making this market overwhelmingly dominant with a 100.0% share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Ecuador exported natural latex in primary forms worth 1.1 thousand US dollars, indicating a strong year-on-year increase of 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador's exports of natural latex in primary forms, in value terms, were almost entirely concentrated in Peru, which accounted for 100.0% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ecuador in value, 2017-2020

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 917.7 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2020 at 173.8 tonnes, representing a 5.3-fold difference. In 2020, imports of natural latex in primary forms into Ecuador stood at 173.8 tonnes, marking a sharp year-on-year reduction of 77.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 349.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Colombia and Guatemala were the primary suppliers of natural latex in primary forms to Ecuador, together accounting for 93.8% of total imports in volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import values reached their maximum in 2018 at 965.5 thousand US dollars and dropped to a minimum in 2020 at 232.5 thousand US dollars, a 4.2-fold shift. In 2020, cross-border shipments of natural latex in primary forms into Ecuador amounted to 232.5 thousand US dollars, down by 66.4% year-on-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 184.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and Colombia dominated Ecuador's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, together accounting for 90.0% of total flows, with other destinations contributing smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ecuador in value, 2017-2020