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:
Prices will likely trend higher in 2025, as factories optimize their production capacity and uncertainty persists over raw materials and tariffs. Unfortunately, because of many variables, no one can precisely predict the impact of price dynamics.
Regardless of market conditions, AMMEX maintains 98%-plus fill rates, high levels of personalized service, and top-tier quality, compliance, and sustainability standards. Our expert account representatives are always ready to provide detailed market updates.
Disposable glove exports in Malaysia, the largest producer of single-use gloves in Southeast Asia, were expected to climb 16% once the books close on 2024, following the historic high achieved in 2023. Approximately 35% of the products are sent to the U.S., and Malaysian officials are optimistic that Malaysia’s rubber glove industry will expand its market share following higher tariffs on Chinese imports.
Raw materials and related dynamics continue to impact disposable glove production. Nitrile glove manufacturers are working to secure NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) supplies while competing with other industries, such as tire and industrial manufacturers. Weather and seasonal shifts will also likely impact glove production into Q1 2025, with severe flooding caused by monsoon rains impacting Southeast Asia and many glove factories being based in rural areas with vulnerable infrastructure.
The transfer of nitrile glove orders from China following U.S. tariffs on Chinese nitrile medical-grade exports is ongoing. Because of the increase in demand from Southeast Asian glove manufacturers, it appears likely that raw NBR shortages will become more acute beginning in Q2. Many manufacturers typically reduce capacity in late Q1 and Q2 due to equipment maintenance, so we must watch how that plays out in 2025.
As a reminder, the U.S. Trade Representative announced tariffs in September that will see import duties on Chinese nitrile medical-grade gloves jump to 50% in 2025 and further to 100% by 2026, a significant increase from the current 7.5%. With a new U.S. administration taking over in January, there is also a likelihood of a future increase in many other tariff rates.
When it comes to latex disposable gloves, their production is inherently impacted by the wet season, with recent events having had a larger impact than usual. Flooding in Thailand, the world’s largest natural rubber exporter, could cut natural rubber output by 320,000 metric tons, as farmers have been prevented from tapping rubber trees.
Production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) remains stable, with China continuing to dominate the vinyl glove category.
The resulting industry trends, many of which developed in the second half of 2024, will likely raise disposable glove prices, but this will depend on the specific manufacturers—when they booked the orders, production capacity, and suppliers’ ability to deliver at scale.
Download the 2025 Q1 Disposable Glove Market Update. Next week: Supply chain challenges.