Natural latex in primary forms market in Sri Lanka

Earlier Report Observations

Sri Lanka's production of natural latex in primary forms began the period at 82 560 tons in 2018 but fell to 74 750 tons in 2019, before recovering to 78 204 tons in 2020. Market size followed a similar trajectory, reaching 92 409 tons in 2020. The Sri Lanka Rubber Industry Development Master Plan 2017-2026, published in 2017, had highlighted declining raw rubber production as an investment risk, which likely contributed to the uncertain environment for the sector.

Production stabilized at 76 884 tons in 2021, with market size at 91 589 tons. That year, Latex Green launched the world's first GOLS-certified organic latex mattresses and became the first water footprint-certified latex foam manufacturing facility, innovations that responded to global demand for sustainable products. In 2022, Earthfoam opened a new Liquid Latex Collection Centre to support organic farmers, expanding collection infrastructure. However, production dropped to 70 867 tons and market size to 88 079 tons in 2022, falling further to 64 444 tons and 77 272 tons respectively in 2023.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Sri Lanka

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Sri Lanka ranked as the 14th largest global producer 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

Following a two-year decline, Sri Lanka's production of natural latex in primary forms rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 78 204 tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 4.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 5.9%, averaging an annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 74 750 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Sri Lanka

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume occurred in 2019, while the highest was reached in 2017, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, Sri Lanka exported 3 435 tonnes of natural latex in primary forms, representing a substantial increase of 231.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 036 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 68.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia (22.5% of exports in kind), Brazil (14.7%), and Thailand (14.4%) were the main markets for Sri Lanka's natural latex in primary forms exports, collectively accounting for 51.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 9.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sri Lanka's natural latex in primary forms exports amounted to 4 633 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 242.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 351 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 12 883 thousand US dollars. The largest decline of 89.5% was recorded in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (32.7% of exports in value terms), Malaysia (13.7%), and Brazil (10.5%) were the primary buyers of natural latex in primary forms from Sri Lanka, together representing 56.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Sri Lanka

Imports in kind, t

Sri Lanka's imports of natural latex in primary forms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 17 640 tonnes, reflecting a strong growth of 42.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 862 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 42.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Thailand and Vietnam remained the leading sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 86.9% of total import flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Sri Lanka's imports of natural latex in primary forms increased. In 2020, imports reached 20 823 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 41.0% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 14 766 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline of 29.4% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Vietnam dominated imports in value terms, accounting together for 86.1% of total flows, with other destinations making smaller individual contributions.

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

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