Third in a series
We often get questions about whether currency exchange rate fluctuations will affect glove prices. The answer is maybe—but the reality is other factors figure more prominently. Even if fluctuations do have an effect, it’s not definitive—and it takes a long time to happen.
Second in a series
Geopolitical tensions, rising transportation expenses, higher labor costs, and seasonal impacts are all causing more volatility in the disposable glove supply chain.
First in a series
Happy New Year.
We are as always excited to share the latest updates on the trends impacting the disposable glove industry. We’ll provide the typical details, but here is the short version:
How compliance relates to disposable glove suppliers is largely not talked about until it’s a problem. But maybe your shipments don’t get released, or your manufacturer gets shut down, and suddenly it’s a hot topic.
Most modern disposable glove factories produce a high percentage of products without defects. It could even be as high as 99 percent—but even a 1% failure rate is too much when you are sourcing thousands of containers a year.
Last of three parts
As 2024 winds down, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to establish consistent and predictable supply—especially at volume—while keeping costs in check. Along with reliable supply, the benchmarks of quality, compliance, and sustainability continue to become more important in the disposable glove market.
The dangers of fentanyl have been widely reported. The drug, developed in 1959 as an intravenous analgesic and anesthetic, is one of the most abused synthetic opioids in North America and a primary driver of overdose deaths among young people.
First of three parts
The disposable glove market continues to have several unique cost drivers impacting the industry. Factories have reduced the number of production lines from pandemic highs, increasing utilization rates and reducing excess supply. Raw materials, from chemicals to synthetic rubber, are rising in cost. Other drivers, such as labor supply in Southeast Asia, packaging material increases, logistics, and a weakening U.S. dollar, are also playing a role.
The U.S. government is increasing tariffs on a variety of Chinese products worth tens of billions of dollars. They have been billed as part of ongoing efforts to protect American factories and include an increase of tariffs on exam/medical-grade nitrile gloves from the current 7.5% to 50% on January 1, 2025 with a further increase to 100% on January 1, 2026.
AMMEX has been importing disposable gloves for more than 35 years. We have established policies and procedures to ensure consistent quality that meets all required standards, but we take it one step further by performing in-person inspections of every shipment before it leaves the factory.
This isn’t a common practice in the disposable glove market, but at AMMEX we took the proactive approach of setting up a team of highly trained glove professionals to catch issues early in production.
