Second in a series
As outlined in our Q2 Market Update, despite the current global tariff wars, the demand outlook in the disposable glove industry remains steady. Gloves are a need-based product; customers use them regardless of market conditions. Global demand for medical and industrial-grade nitrile gloves continues to expand with consistent consumption patterns.
Ocean freight rates continue to be volatile. The industry survey by maritime consultancy Drewry reveals that most container shipping stakeholders expect Suez Canal transits to resume before the end of 2025 while bracing for escalating U.S. tariffs that could reshape global trade patterns.
Rates will likely remain volatile as port congestion continues in major Asian manufacturing hubs, fuel costs rise due to geopolitical tensions in oil-producing regions, container shortages are exacerbated by uneven global trade recovery, and implementation of new environmental rules requires shipping lines to invest in cleaner technologies.
The final leg of distribution has also become increasingly expensive, with last-mile delivery costs rising. Increases are attributable to labor shortages in the trucking and delivery sectors, higher fuel costs for ground transportation, increased warehousing costs as distributors maintain larger safety stocks, and regional regulatory changes affecting distribution networks.
Download our Q2 Disposable Glove Market Update.
Missed our first post of the series: Q2 Market Update: Tariffs Take Centerstage check it out here.