2025 in Review: Market Summary – Disposable Gloves

As we look back at 2025, it is easy to surmise that the US disposable glove market has been volatile but resilient, driven by strong demand across healthcare, industrial, and personal care sectors despite economic headwinds and the impact of tariffs on imports.

Global consumption of nitrile gloves, the most popular material, has surpassed 400 billion gloves, with Southeast Asia continuing to supply over 80% of the worldwide output. At the same time, the US domestic production remains minimal due to high production costs and scalability challenges.

Overall, tariffs, logistics, and supply chain have impacted the 2025 disposable glove market in ways rarely seen before.  Despite pricing pressures, demand remains resilient, and the need for disposable gloves continues to grow.

Tariff Impact

Sweeping U.S. tariffs on imported gloves have had a substantial impact on sourcing. Since their introduction earlier in 2025, import tariffs on disposable gloves now range between 19% and 70%, with Chinese disposable gloves facing an additional 50% hike on January 1st, 2026.

These tariffs have shifted demand toward Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia), while Chinese suppliers have lost competitiveness in the US market.

Pricing Trends

Naturally, prices on disposable gloves are rising due to several factors. Outside of tariffs, higher raw material costs (especially NBR for nitrile gloves), increased logistics costs from port congestion, container shortages, and energy price volatility all contributed to price impacts in 2025. Spot orders and short-term sourcing continue to be risky; strategic sourcing and long-term contracts are recommended.

Logistics & Supply Chain

Shipping lanes from Southeast Asia to the U.S. were subject to volatile freight rates in 2025. US domestic freight costs are rising due to labor shortages and compliance costs. Environmental regulations on shipping have slowly been further adding to cost pressures.

Demand Outlook

Despite all the dynamic challenges outlined above, demand for disposable gloves remains steady and recession-resistant, especially in healthcare and industrial sectors. Buyers are advised to plan and maintain strong supplier relationships to mitigate risk.

Throughout 2025, AMMEX continued to proactively work to mitigate the impact of market conditions on our partners. Looking forward, we will continue to evaluate the market and update our partners on any changes in market conditions.

Why Proper Donning and Doffing of Disposable Gloves Matters

Donning and Doffing of Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are a frontline defense in countless industries from healthcare and food service to automotive and janitorial work. They protect workers from harmful substances and prevent contamination of products and environments. But here’s the catch: gloves only work if they’re used correctly. Improper donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) can compromise safety, leading to contamination, infection, or chemical exposure.

The Risks of Getting It Wrong

When gloves are donned incorrectly, contaminants can transfer from hands to the glove’s exterior. Similarly, improper removal can expose your skin to hazardous substances lingering on the glove surface. According to CDC guidelines, the outside of gloves should always be considered contaminated, and touching them with bare hands during removal is a major risk factor for self-contamination.

Best Practices for Donning Gloves

  1. Start Clean: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before putting on gloves. Remove any jewelry that could tear the material.
  2. Inspect Before Use: Check for pinholes, tears, or defects. Even a small breach can allow harmful substances through.
  3. Avoid Touching the Outside: Handle gloves by the cuff and only touch the inside during donning. This minimizes contamination risk.
  4. Ensure Proper Fit: Gloves should fit snugly without overstretching, which can cause tears.

Safe Doffing Techniques

  • Peel, Don’t Pull: Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it away, turning it inside out. Hold it in the gloved hand.
  • Slide Under the Cuff: With your ungloved hand, slide fingers under the remaining glove at the wrist and peel it off over the first glove, creating a “bag” for both. Discard immediately in an appropriate container.
  • Finish with Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands after glove removal to eliminate any residual contamination.

Check out our donning and doffing flyer for more information.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Proper glove use isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your team, your customers, and your brand. A single lapse can lead to cross-contamination, product recalls, or even workplace injuries. Training staff on correct donning and doffing procedures is a small investment with a big payoff in safety and trust.

Gloves are a critical barrier, but they’re not foolproof. Their effectiveness depends on how you use them. By following best practices for donning and doffing, you ensure maximum protection for everyone involved.

Experience the AMMEX End User Glove Trial Program

Glove Trial

Selecting the right disposable glove is crucial for safety, comfort, and productivity—but it’s often harder than it should be. AMMEX understands that every workplace has unique needs, which is why we launched the End User Trial Program. This initiative gives organizations a chance to test up to 10 cases of AMMEX gloves for 30 days, completely free of charge.

If your team isn’t currently using AMMEX gloves and typically purchases more than one case per month, you’re eligible to participate. The process is simple and designed to save you time: just fill out a quick online form, and our glove experts will recommend the best options for your specific tasks and environment. Once approved, you’ll receive your gloves and have a full month to evaluate them in your actual work setting.

How Does the Trial Work?

  1. Sign Up: Complete a brief online form, sharing details about glove usage, current supplier, and industry.
  2. Qualification: The AMMEX team will review the request, verify eligibility, and recommend the best glove options using a decision tree based on industry and use case.
  3. Shipment: Approved requests will receive up to 10 cases of gloves, which can be split between different products but must be of the same size per case.
  4. Evaluation: Teams use the gloves for 30 days, testing them in actual work conditions.

During the trial, your team can assess comfort, grip, durability, and overall performance in real-world conditions. This hands-on experience helps you make an informed decision, eliminating the guesswork and reducing wasted spend on gloves that don’t fit your needs. At the end of the 30 days, you’ll share your feedback and decide if AMMEX is the right fit for your operation—no risk, no obligation.

The End User Trial Program is designed to empower organizations to upgrade their hand protection confidently. Whether you work in food service, janitorial, automotive, or industrial safety, AMMEX offers tailored solutions to keep your team safe and productive.

Ready to stop guessing and start testing? Join the AMMEX End User Trial Program today and discover why so many businesses trust AMMEX for their disposable hand protection needs.

Check out our previous blog post about the program.

Experience the ULTRA Difference: Gloveworks ULTRA™ Disposable Gloves

In the world of industrial hand protection, comfort and performance rarely go hand in hand—until now. Introducing Gloveworks ULTRA™, the latest innovation from AMMEX that redefines what it means to work hard and stay comfortable.

Why ULTRA? Because Your Hands Deserve Better.

Whether you’re turning wrenches in a mechanic’s bay or handling machinery on the production floor, sweaty hands and poor grip can slow you down. Gloveworks ULTRA™ is engineered to solve that problem with a powerful combination of sweat management and grip-enhancing technology.

Key Features That Set ULTRA Apart

  • Flock-Lined Interior: A soft, moisture-absorbing lining keeps hands cool and dry, even during extended wear.
  • Raised Diamond Texture (RDT): With 60% more surface area, RDT channels away liquids and provides a superior grip in wet or dry conditions.
  • Heavy-Duty Nitrile: At 6-mil thickness, ULTRA offers robust protection against punctures, rips, and chemical exposure.
  • High Visibility: The industrial orange color ensures your hands are easy to see—even in low-light environments.
  • Powder-Free & Latex-Free: Ideal for users with sensitivities and approved for food use.

Who Is It For?

ULTRA is built for professionals who demand more from their gloves:

  • Automotive and industrial technicians
  • Installers and machine shop workers
  • Municipal and fleet service teams
  • Anyone who needs durability, grip, and comfort in one glove

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What Customers Are Saying ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Real users are raving about Gloveworks® ULTRA™ here’s what they had to say:

“This is my first flock-lined disposable, and I doubt I can go back.”
“Helps with hand sweating and makes it easier to pull the gloves on.”
“They come in real handy for a lot of cleaning and greasy work.”
“All in all, I really like these gloves and will be getting more when this box runs out!”
“Especially in hot humid weather, these gloves make a huge difference.”

With ULTRA, you’re not just getting a glove, you’re getting the backing of AMMEX’s four pillars: Fill Rates, Quality Control, Compliance, and Service. That means reliable supply, consistent quality, and support you can count on.

Check out our previous post Gloveworks ULTRA™ Adds a New Layer of Comfort for Automotive Workers.

Visit gloveworks.com/ultra for more information.

The Evolving Disposable Glove Market—Why AMMEX is Different

If you are not thinking about making sure that your operation has a consistent supply of disposable gloves in the ever-shifting disposable glove market, then now may be a good time to start.

As we discussed in our Q4 Market Update, the disposable glove market is adapting to new tariffs and logistical challenges in Q4 2025.  Disposable glove buyers will need to be more strategic than ever in selecting the right supplier. The key to success may lie in partnering with an organization that can deliver reliability, quality, and compliance, even as the market continues to shift and adjust.

AMMEX stands out by offering a 98%+ fill rate on all disposable glove products, ensuring customers never run out of gloves—even during periods of high demand or supply chain disruptions. Plus, our unwavering commitment to quality is evident: every shipment is inspected by a specially trained team before leaving the factory, helping prevent issues before they arise.

Preventive compliance is another cornerstone of AMMEX’s approach. We combine ethical sourcing, documented compliance processes, and third-party audits to help customers avoid unexpected regulatory challenges. This proactive stance is crucial as tariffs and regulations continue to evolve.

While the market outlook for Q4 2025 is increasingly clearer, prices will likely remain under pressure from tariffs and rising logistics costs.  At the same time, demand is expected to stay strong across most disposable glove sectors.

With over 37 years in the business, AMMEX brings deep expertise and outstanding service to help all types of disposable glove buyers by establishing redundant operations along with transparent communication to source the right gloves at the right time.

Check out our previous blog post Disposable Glove Market in Q4 2025 – Trends and Challenges

Disposable Glove Market in Q4 2025 – Trends and Challenges

If you find the overall dynamic of the U.S. disposable glove market in Q4 2025 a bit confusing, then you’re not alone. The market is facing a period of dynamic change as we enter Q4 2025. New tariffs, operational costs, and a shifting economic landscape are shaping the industry. Despite these headwinds, demand for disposable gloves remains robust across the medical, industrial, and personal care sectors.

Our Q4 Market Update provides a broad overview of the key trends and challenges – download it or view it on our website here.

One of the most impactful developments is the sweeping tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, particularly targeting imports from China. By the end of Q3, tariffs on disposable gloves from all countries ranged from 19% to 80%, with Chinese imports set for an additional 50% increase in 2026. This has put upward pressure on prices and forced buyers to rethink sourcing strategies.

Global glove production is at an all-time high, with Malaysia and Thailand leading the way and accounting for up to 70% of global supply. However, U.S. domestic production remains limited due to high input costs, regulatory hurdles, and scalability challenges.

Logistics remains in focus, with rising operational delivery costs in the US. As a result, efficiency and proactive planning are more important than ever for glove buyers.

Despite these challenges, the market’s resilience is clear. Strategic sourcing and strong supplier relationships will be key to navigating the months ahead. Learn more in our Q4 Market Update.

Stop Guessing. Find the Right Disposable Glove with a No-cost Trial.

Glove Trial

Choosing disposable gloves shouldn’t require guesswork or a pile of half‑used boxes that didn’t work out. Tasks vary, hands sweat, chemicals differ, and not all textures grip the same. The result? Wasted spend, frustrated teams, and inconsistent protection.

That’s why AMMEX built the 30‑Day Glove Trial Program: a no‑cost, try‑before‑you‑buy experience that lets you test the right gloves in your environment before you commit. You’ll get tailored product recommendations (Good/Better/Best) for your specific use case, then evaluate them with your team in real work—no guessing required.

How the AMMEX Glove Trial Works

Sign Up Online – Apply in minutes at https://info.ammex.com/glovetrial-public

Receive Free Gloves – Get up to 10 cases of disposable gloves shipped at no cost.

Experience the Difference – Use AMMEX gloves for 30 days, then connect with a distributor for ongoing supply.

Why AMMEX Disposable Gloves

Choosing AMMEX means choosing confidence. When you try our gloves, you’re not just testing a product, you’re experiencing a brand built on quality, consistency, and meaningful innovation. Every glove we make is engineered to solve real-world problems like grip in wet or oily conditions, durability under torque, and all‑day comfort that encourages people to keep their gloves on. The AMMEX 30‑Day Glove Trial removes the guesswork and the risk by letting your team evaluate the right options in real world applications.

Our glove experts will help match material, thickness, and texture to your tasks, then follow through with dependable supply and expert support. When the trial ends, you’ll have clear feedback from your team and a straightforward path to ongoing supply through our distributor network so your operation can move from “let’s test it” to “this is the glove we trust” with confidence.

Ready to start your free glove trial?

Visit https://info.ammex.com/glovetrial-public and discover why AMMEX is the leader in disposable hand protection.

Check out our previous blog post: Serving Customers: It’s What We Do

Why 100% Shipment Inspections are Critical

Why 100% Shipment Inspections are Critical

Does every disposable glove shipment pass an independent in-person inspection?  Of course not, unless it’s an AMMEX-branded glove.

Quality in disposable gloves is essential, but with hundreds of billions of gloves coming off the line yearly and usage consistently growing, quality rates remain imperfect. While manufacturing processes, raw material, and technology are better than ever, the sheer volume of gloves makes production mistakes unavoidable. AMMEX’s emphasis on rigorous standards and durable gloves illustrates how quality drives safety and user satisfaction.

Specifically, our highly experienced and dedicated team of inspectors based in Southeast Asia works to inspect 100% of shipments personally. Our team visits every factory and tests every container while keeping meticulous records, facilitating audits, and working with our partners to optimize manufacturing processes. Our inspectors are AMMEX employees; most have been with the company for many years.

Why do we do this? In an industry where most companies receive gloves they see for the first time in their US warehouse, AMMEX is different. We understand that each quality issue impacts our customers’ business, reputation, relationships, and trust. Simply put, we invest in 100% in-person inspections by our local teams to prevent quality issues before they happen, minimizing headaches for our clients and saving them time and money.

Most glove buyers will agree that disposable glove quality is non-negotiable. Quality gloves protect health, enhance performance, ensure compliance, offer cost benefits, and support positive user experience. However, it’s essential to understand your glove supplier’s standards and how they handle any related issues and implement improvements. AMMEX does this with 100% commitment and dedication – documented, audited, and in-person.

Check out our previous post about Three Unique Reasons Why Service Matters with Disposable Gloves.

Three Unique Reasons Why Service Matters with Disposable Gloves

AMMEX sets the standard in disposable gloves with expert reps, fast delivery, and standout service that drives savings, trust, and long-term success.

In the disposable glove industry, exceptional service isn’t just a friendly add-on; it’s a necessity that helps customers buy the right glove. Disposable glove products may seem simple, but most companies routinely offer 40+ product options. Customer service at AMMEX shows that service excellence sets industry leaders apart in three unique ways.

First, an account at AMMEX is actively managed by a dedicated sales representative, who allows for a detailed understanding of customer needs and wants. Our expert representatives can effectively align one of our glove products with the customer’s needs.

Second, our personalized service allows us the opportunity to efficiently explain to prospects and customers why AMMEX is different and what sets us apart from the competition.  From our industry-leading product fill rates to in-person quality control and compliance processes, our service team can offer proof of how AMMEX does things differently.

Third, in a fast-moving market, speed and flexibility matter. AMMEX responds quickly to orders, often delivering within days, and adapts to shifting demands or market opportunities—thanks to agile systems and customer feedback loops.

A real-world example underscores these strengths. Recently, a distributor using AMMEX gloves reversed rising costs by replacing their glove vendor with alternatives recommended by an AMMEX representative. The savings become even more impactful when considering that AMMEX provided higher on-time fill rates to reduce storage costs, improved quality to minimize customer concerns, and tools such as no-cost samples to help make glove user decisions easier.

In a disposable glove market with low-cost options, outstanding service can help distinguish the leader from the rest. AMMEX’s approach demonstrates that service isn’t a luxury in the disposable glove industry; it’s the foundation of customer trust, efficiency, and long-term success.

Check out our previous blog post about How AMMEX Supports Buyers in a Volatile Glove Market.

Silicone-Free Disposable Gloves Are Essential Protection for Auto Paint and Finishing

Silicone-Free Disposable Gloves Are Essential Protection for Auto Paint and Finishing

The most minor details can make the most significant difference in auto painting and finishing. One often-overlooked detail? Disposable gloves. The right pair doesn’t just protect your hands; it protects the integrity of your paint job. And if you’re serious about keeping silicone away from your surface prep and finish, it’s time to take a closer look at silicone-free glove options.

Why Silicone-Free Matters in Auto Paint Work
Silicone contamination is the enemy of flawless finishes. Even trace amounts can wreak havoc:

  • Causes fish-eye effects in paint
  • Interferes with paint adhesion
  • Requires costly rework and delays

AMMEX offers two top products that not only deliver excellent hand protection from paints and solvents, but are also silicone-free to ensure a great finish:

Gloveworks® Orange Raised Diamond Texture Nitrile Gloves (GWON):
These aren’t your average shop gloves. GWON gloves stand out, with their high-visibility orange color and raised diamond texture that delivers unbeatable grip in oily, wet conditions.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty 8-mil thickness for enhanced durability and grip
  • Raised diamond grip channels away fluids for secure handling
  • Resistant to chemicals like paints, solvents and cleaners
  • Latex- and silicone-free for clean operations

Download the GWON data sheet here.

Also available in high-res green Gloveworks® Green Raised Diamond Texture Nitrile Gloves (GWGN).

Download the GWGN data sheet here.

Gloveworks® Black Nitrile Gloves (GPNB):
Preferred in many auto shops for their professional appearance, these gloves bring the same toughness in a sleek, low-profile design.

Key Features:

  • 6-mil thickness for excellent barrier protection
  • Powder-free and latex-free to prevent contamination
  • Silicone-free for paint-safe performance
  • Ideal for general shop work, polishing, and cleanup
  • Black nitrile hides grease and grime, giving a cleaner look while staying strong through messy tasks

Download the GPNB data sheet here.

Don’t let your gloves be the weak link when the finish matters. Gloveworks GWON and GPNB offer the safety, performance, and peace of mind auto professionals need without the risk of silicone contamination. Whether laying down a base coat or polishing the final layer, choosing the right gloves is more than protection; it’s precision.

Check out our previous blog post about silicone-free gloves here.