Natural latex in primary forms market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The natural latex market in Brazil experienced sustained growth from 2018 to 2023, with production rising from 232.3 thousand tons to 319.8 thousand tons. This expansion was anchored by the state of São Paulo, which accounts for over 68% of national output, and was propelled by significant increases in rubber tree acreage. In 2019, the entry of over 2 million new rubber trees into production provided a direct boost to supply.

Demand for natural latex was strengthened by its valued application in medical and automotive products, particularly during the pandemic period, and by product innovations such as plant-based leather derived from latex, which opened new market segments. Concurrently, a growing emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible practices, including organic latex production by Amazonian communities, enhanced the material's appeal and supported market valorization.

The market's growth continued through 2022 and 2023, with production exceeding 290 thousand tons and the overall market volume reaching 357.0 thousand tons. The industry's broad base across more than 40,000 products, from tires to surgical gloves, ensured resilient demand, while initiatives promoting sustainable extraction contributed to the supply chain's development.

Production natural latex in primary forms in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

South America's production of natural latex in primary forms has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 263.0 K t, marking a moderate year-over-year growth of 3.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports natural latex in primary forms from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 10.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South America exported 162 t of natural latex in primary forms, a 42.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 284 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 882.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Panama and the United States were the leading markets for South America's exports of natural latex in primary forms in kind, together accounting for 10.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility over these years. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 13.5-fold difference. In 2020, South America's export value of natural latex in primary forms reached 926 K $ US, a sharp increase of 79.0% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 7.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 710.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (39.4% of exports in value terms), Panama (2.9%), and the Dominican Republic (0.9%) were the main destinations for South America's exports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, together absorbing 43.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports natural latex in primary forms to South America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South America imported 43 831 t of natural latex in primary forms, up 3.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 43 937 t, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 3.9%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, growing by 4.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Thailand (37.6% of imports in kind), Guatemala (35.4%), and Vietnam (16.9%) were the key sources for South America's imports of natural latex in primary forms in kind, together representing 89.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, foreign supplies of natural latex in primary forms to South America increased. In 2020, South America imported natural latex in primary forms valued at {value_last_year} K $ US, marking a moderate year-over-year gain of 4.0%. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 51 346 K $ US, with the largest decline also in 2019 at 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand (38.5% of imports in value terms), Guatemala (35.4%), and Vietnam (14.8%) formed the key group of partners for South America's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.8% of total flows.

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

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