.jpg)
🌳 Global Trade Dynamics of Crude Rubber (SITC Division 23)
The international trade of crude rubber, primarily natural rubber derived from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, is a critical component of the global commodities market. Classified under Division 23: Crude Rubber (including Synthetic and Reclaimed) of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) by the United Nations, this commodity's trade value is closely monitored through databases like UN Comtrade. The trade statistics reflect global industrial demand, especially from the tire manufacturing sector, which typically accounts for a significant portion of natural rubber consumption.
Key Characteristics and Market Influences
Crude rubber, especially natural rubber (NR), is indispensable in industries requiring high resilience, elasticity, and water resistance. The global trade value is subject to several dynamic factors:
Global Demand: Approximately 60-70% of NR is consumed by the tire industry, linking its trade value directly to the health of the automotive sector and global economic growth.
Supply Concentration: Production is heavily concentrated in Southeast Asia, with countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam being major exporters. Supply shocks due to weather (e.g., heavy rain, flooding) or diseases can significantly impact trade volumes and prices.
Crude Oil Prices: Synthetic rubber (SR), a substitute for NR, is an oil derivative. Fluctuations in crude oil prices directly influence the competitiveness and pricing of SR, which in turn affects the demand and trade value of NR.
Trade Barriers and Sustainability: Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), such as emerging sustainability regulations, increasingly influence export procedures and access to key markets, adding to the cost and complexity of the crude rubber trade.
Trends in Crude Rubber Trade Value
Analysis of UN Comtrade data often reveals significant volatility in the total value of global crude rubber trade. The trade value often peaks during periods of high demand and tight supply but can decline rapidly due to global economic slowdowns or oversupply from producing nations. Major importing countries, such as China, the United States, and Japan, drive the market, consuming large volumes for their manufacturing sectors.
The table below illustrates representative trends in the global export value of crude rubber (SITC Division 23), highlighting the fluctuations influenced by the factors mentioned above.
📊 Global Export Value of Crude Rubber (SITC Division 23)
The following table presents estimated total global export values for crude rubber (SITC Division 23), based on historical trends and analyses referencing UN Comtrade data for global merchandise trade flows. These figures demonstrate the commodity's fluctuating market value in recent years.
| Year | Total Global Export Value (US$ Billion) | Key Market Trend/Factor |
| 2017 | 25.0 – 27.0 | Strong price recovery and high demand in the tire sector. |
| 2018 | 20.0 – 22.0 | Price decline due to oversupply and slowing demand in major markets. |
| 2019 | 17.0 – 19.0 | Continued price pressure; trade tensions add uncertainty. |
| 2020 | 15.5 – 17.5 | COVID-19 pandemic impacts global manufacturing and auto production. |
| 2021 | 21.0 – 23.0 | Post-pandemic recovery in demand; supply chain disruptions. |
| 2022 | 22.5 – 24.5 | High crude oil prices boost NR competitiveness; global inflation. |
Note: Figures are estimates based on general trade trends for SITC Division 23 (Crude Rubber, including Synthetic and Reclaimed) and are indicative of the volatility reported in UN Comtrade records. For precise, official data, consult the UN Comtrade database directly.
🌎 Global Export Value of Crude Rubber (SITC Division 23) by Country (2023)
The total global crude rubber export value, which encompasses Natural Rubber (HS 4001), Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002), and Reclaimed Rubber (HS 4003), demonstrates the dual nature of this commodity's trade: primary production in agricultural zones and chemical/industrial output in developed nations.
The table below combines the top exporters from the two dominant categories (Natural and Synthetic Rubber) to show the overall leaders in global Crude Rubber exports by trade value for 2023.
| Rank | Top Exporting Country | Total Crude Rubber Export Value (US$ Billion) | Primary Export Type (Dominant HS Code) |
| 1 | Thailand | 6.67 | Natural Rubber (HS 4001) / Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 2 | Indonesia | 5.35 | Natural Rubber (HS 4001) |
| 3 | Vietnam | 3.50 | Natural Rubber (HS 4001) / Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 4 | United States | 3.15 | Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 5 | South Korea | 3.12 | Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 6 | Cote d'Ivoire | 2.43 | Natural Rubber (HS 4001) |
| 7 | Japan | 2.39 | Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 8 | Malaysia | 1.98 | Natural Rubber (HS 4001) / Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 9 | Germany | 1.92 | Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
| 10 | China | 1.86 | Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) |
Key Observations on Global Export Value:
Dual Dominance: The top exporters are split between Natural Rubber producers (Thailand, Indonesia, Cote d'Ivoire) and major Synthetic Rubber producers (US, South Korea, Japan, Germany).
Thailand's Lead: Thailand holds the top position, driven by its massive output of natural rubber, combined with significant trade in synthetic rubber.
Industrialized Exporters: Countries like the US, South Korea, Japan, and Germany are leaders in the trade value due to their advanced chemical industries, which produce high-value specialized types of synthetic rubber (HS 4002).
Crude Rubber Definition: This consolidated table reflects the scope of SITC Division 23 ("Crude rubber"), which includes all three forms of raw rubber.
Note: The values are estimates for 2023, derived from aggregating data for the major HS codes (4001, 4002) that constitute the bulk of the UN Comtrade Division 23 (Crude Rubber). Final official values may vary based on detailed product inclusions.
🚢 Global Import Value of Crude Rubber (SITC Division 23 / HS 4001)
The import value of crude rubber is a strong indicator of industrial demand, particularly from the global automotive and manufacturing sectors. The data below focuses on the major global importers, primarily covering the main HS Code for natural rubber in its primary forms (HS 4001, which broadly aligns with UN Comtrade's SITC Division 23).
The figures show the dominance of Asian manufacturing hubs and the critical role of the United States and the European Union in consuming the world's rubber supply.
| Rank | Importing Country/Region | Import Value (US$ Billion) - 2023 Estimate | Primary Industrial Use |
| 1 | China | $3.5 – 4.0$ | Tire Manufacturing, Automotive, General Industry |
| 2 | United States | $1.4 – 1.8$ | Tire Manufacturing, Transportation, Medical (Gloves) |
| 3 | Malaysia | $1.2 – 1.7$ | Re-Export/Processing, Rubber Products (Gloves, etc.) |
| 4 | Japan | $0.7 – 1.3$ | Automotive, Industrial Machinery, High-Tech Rubber |
| 5 | India | $0.6 – 1.1$ | Tire and Automotive Components Manufacturing |
| 6 | European Union (EU-27) | $1.4 – 1.5$* | Tire Manufacturing (Germany, France, Spain) |
| 7 | Vietnam | $0.6 – 0.8$ | Processing/Re-Export (often to China) |
| 8 | South Korea | $0.4 – 0.6$ | Automotive, Electronics, Industrial Rubber Goods |
| 9 | Türkiye (Turkey) | $0.3 – 0.5$ | Automotive Sector, Tire Production |
| 10 | Germany | $0.3 – 0.5$ | (Individual EU Member) Large Tire Manufacturing Hub |
Key Import Trends:
China's Dominance: China consistently remains the world's largest importer, reflecting its massive tire and automotive production capacity, as well as its role in global manufacturing.
Re-Processing Hubs: Countries like Malaysia and Vietnam often appear high on the import list, not just for domestic use, but as major re-processing hubs where crude rubber is refined or converted into finished products (like gloves in Malaysia) before being re-exported.
EU vs. Members: The European Union is often reported as a collective entity due to its single market, but individual members like Germany, France, and Spain are significant importers and consumers in their own right, especially for their large automotive industries.
Note: The values are estimates based on various trade statistics sources that rely on UN Comtrade and the Harmonized System (HS) code 4001 (Natural Rubber, Balata, Gutta-Percha, Guayule, Chicle and Similar Natural Gums, in Primary Forms) for the 2023 period. Official figures can vary depending on the specific product codes included (SITC Division 23 is broader, including Synthetic and Reclaimed Rubber).
📈 Global Crude Rubber Trade Value Breakdown by Category (2023 Estimates)
| Category (HS Code) | Commodity Description | Estimated Global Export Value (US$ Billion) | Estimated Global Import Value (US$ Billion) | Key Exporters/Producers |
| HS 4001 | Natural Rubber (In primary forms) | 12.0 – 14.0 | 12.5 – 14.5 | Thailand, Indonesia, Cote d'Ivoire, Vietnam |
| HS 4002 | Synthetic Rubber (In primary forms) | 28.0 – 32.0 | 29.0 – 33.0 | South Korea, Germany, United States, Japan, China |
| HS 4003 | Reclaimed Rubber | 0.1 – 0.2 | 0.1 – 0.2 | China, India, Malaysia |
| Total Global Crude Rubber Trade Value (SITC Division 23 Equivalent) | 40.1 – 46.2 | 41.6 – 47.7 |
🌳 Natural Rubber (HS 4001) Export and Import Value by Country (2023)
Based on UN Comtrade and related trade data for Natural Rubber (HS 4001), the global market clearly shows a concentration of production in Southeast Asia and West Africa, and a concentration of consumption in major industrialized nations.
The table below details the top countries for both export and import trade value in 2023.
| Rank | Top Exporting Countries (Suppliers) | Export Value (US$ Billion) | Top Importing Countries (Consumers) | Import Value (US$ Billion) |
| 1 | Thailand | $3.95$ | China | $3.51$ |
| 2 | Indonesia | $2.91$ | United States | $1.47$ |
| 3 | Cote d'Ivoire | $2.43$ | Malaysia | $1.28$ |
| 4 | Vietnam | $1.30$ | Japan | $0.92$ |
| 5 | Malaysia | $0.99$ | India | $0.68$ |
| 6 | Cambodia | $0.35$ | South Korea | $0.59$ |
| 7 | Philippines | $0.08$ | Germany | $0.46$ |
| 8 | Laos | $0.09$ | Türkiye (Turkey) | $0.49$ |
| 9 | Liberia | $0.03$ | Spain | $0.36$ |
| 10 | Ghana | $0.03$ | Italy | $0.26$ |
Key Observations:
Export Dominance: Thailand and Indonesia are the undisputed leaders, accounting for a majority of the world's exported natural rubber value.
Growing African Share: Cote d'Ivoire has emerged as a major global supplier, ranking third in export value.
Global Consumption Hubs: China is the single largest importer, driving global demand for its automotive and tire manufacturing sectors. The United States and Japan are also major consumers.
The Re-Processing Loop: Malaysia and Vietnam appear high on both lists. They are major importers of raw natural rubber (often lower grades from other countries) for processing into higher-value products (like Technically Specified Rubber or rubber gloves) and subsequent re-export.
🏭 Synthetic Rubber (HS 4002) Export and Import Value by Country (2023)
| Rank | Top Exporting Countries (Suppliers) | Export Value (US$ Billion) | Top Importing Countries (Consumers) | Import Value (US$ Billion) |
| 1 | Thailand | $2.72$ | China | $8.02$ |
| 2 | South Korea | $2.64$ | United States | $1.43$ |
| 3 | United States | $2.44$ | Thailand | $1.19$ |
| 4 | Japan | $1.90$ | India | $1.04$ |
| 5 | Germany | $1.85$ | Turkey | $0.66$ |
| 6 | Vietnam | $1.60$ | South Korea | $0.59$ |
| 7 | China | $1.57$ | Germany | $0.57$ |
| 8 | Russia | $1.20$ | Mexico | $0.54$ |
| 9 | France | $0.85$ | Belgium | $0.50$ |
| 10 | Singapore | $0.78$ | Japan | $0.49$ |
♻️ Reclaimed Rubber (HS 4003) Export and Import Value by Country (2023)
The trade in Reclaimed Rubber (HS 4003) is significantly smaller in value compared to Natural and Synthetic Rubber, but it plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing raw material costs. It is derived from waste rubber products, such as old tires, tubes, and scrap, through a chemical process.
The following table details the top countries for both export and import trade value of Reclaimed Rubber.
| Rank | Top Exporting Countries (Suppliers) | Export Value (US$ Million) | Top Importing Countries (Consumers) | Import Value (US$ Million) |
| 1 | China | $25 – 35$ | India | $30 – 40$ |
| 2 | Thailand | $15 – 25$ | China | $15 – 25$ |
| 3 | Malaysia | $10 – 20$ | United States | $10 – 15$ |
| 4 | Germany | $8 – 15$ | Vietnam | $5 – 10$ |
| 5 | United States | $5 – 10$ | Indonesia | $5 – 10$ |
| 6 | Japan | $4 – 8$ | Mexico | $3 – 7$ |
| 7 | India | $3 – 7$ | Germany | $2 – 5$ |
| 8 | South Korea | $2 – 5$ | Brazil | $2 – 5$ |
| 9 | Turkey | $1 – 4$ | Japan | $1 – 3$ |
| 10 | Italy | $1 – 4$ | Canada | $1 – 3$ |
Key Insights into Reclaimed Rubber Trade:
Scale of Trade: The values are presented in US$ Million, confirming that the global market for Reclaimed Rubber is substantially smaller than that of Natural or Synthetic Rubber (which are in US$ Billions).
India as Key Importer: India is often the world's largest importer and consumer of reclaimed rubber, heavily utilizing it in its domestic tire and rubber product industries to reduce production costs.
Circular Economy: Countries like China, the US, and Germany appear on both lists, acting as significant centers for both processing waste into reclaimed rubber (exporting) and consuming it for domestic manufacturing (importing). This reflects the industrial capacity needed for the reclaiming process.
Sustainability Driver: The trade in reclaimed rubber is driven by cost savings and growing environmental mandates to use recycled content in manufacturing.
🚀 Crude Rubber Export Value: Countries with the Highest Percentage Growth (2022 to 2023)
| Rank | Exporting Country | Export Value 2022 (US$ Million) | Export Value 2023 (US$ Million) | Percentage Growth (%) (2022 to 2023) | Primary Export Driver |
| 1 | Ecuador | 50 – 100 | 120 – 180 | +120% – 150% | Natural Rubber (Increased agricultural yields and new plantations) |
| 2 | Myanmar | 100 – 150 | 180 – 250 | +80% – 100% | Natural Rubber (Increased output and shifting trade routes) |
| 3 | Guatemala | 30 – 50 | 55 – 90 | +70% – 90% | Natural Rubber (Expansion of rubber plantations) |
| 4 | Russia | 950 – 1050 | 1,200 – 1,300 | +20% – 30% | Synthetic Rubber (Increased production and redirection of commodity flows) |
| 5 | Vietnam | 2,800 – 3,100 | 3,300 – 3,600 | +10% – 20% | Natural/Synthetic Rubber (Sustained foreign investment in manufacturing) |
| 6 | China | 1,300 – 1,500 | 1,700 – 1,900 | +10% – 20% | Synthetic Rubber (Ramp-up of chemical industry exports) |
| 7 | Cambodia | 250 – 350 | 300 – 400 | +10% – 20% | Natural Rubber (Stable output and price recovery) |
| 8 | Thailand | 6,000 – 6,400 | 6,500 – 6,800 | +5% – 10% | Natural/Synthetic Rubber (Large base value, steady growth) |
🚢 Crude Rubber Import Value: Countries with the Highest Percentage Growth (2022 to 2023)
To identify the countries that significantly ramped up their purchasing of crude rubber, this table focuses on the highest percentage increase in total Crude Rubber import value (SITC Division 23, encompassing Natural, Synthetic, and Reclaimed Rubber) from 2022 to 2023. This often highlights areas with rapidly expanding manufacturing sectors or rebounding industrial demand.
| Rank | Importing Country | Import Value 2022 (US$ Million) | Import Value 2023 (US$ Million) | Percentage Growth (%) (2022 to 2023) | Primary Import Driver |
| 1 | Mexico | 350 – 450 | 580 – 720 | +60% – 80% | Synthetic Rubber (Automotive and industrial manufacturing growth) |
| 2 | Vietnam | 1,200 – 1,500 | 1,800 – 2,200 | +40% – 60% | Natural/Synthetic Rubber (Processing/re-export hub expansion) |
| 3 | Indonesia | 800 – 1,000 | 1,100 – 1,400 | +30% – 40% | Natural/Synthetic Rubber (Growing domestic tire manufacturing) |
| 4 | India | 1,200 – 1,500 | 1,550 – 1,900 | +25% – 35% | Synthetic Rubber (Strong demand from tire and footwear sectors) |
| 5 | Brazil | 500 – 700 | 650 – 900 | +20% – 30% | Synthetic Rubber (Recovery in automotive and construction) |
| 6 | Malaysia | 1,900 – 2,200 | 2,200 – 2,600 | +10% – 20% | Natural/Synthetic Rubber (Increased demand for manufacturing rubber products) |
| 7 | China | 10,000 – 10,500 | 11,000 – 11,500 | +5% – 10% | Synthetic Rubber (Large base value, steady increase in overall consumption) |
| 8 | United States | 2,800 – 3,100 | 3,000 – 3,300 | +5% – 10% | Synthetic Rubber (Stable, high-volume consumer for tire production) |
Key Insights into Highest Percentage Growth:
Manufacturing Hubs: Countries like Mexico and Vietnam showed the most dynamic growth, indicating that the expansion of manufacturing capabilities—especially in automotive supply chains (Mexico) and general processing/export (Vietnam)—is driving their import demand.
Domestic Consumption: Indonesia and India registered significant growth, fueled by their large and expanding domestic tire and rubber product industries.
Base Value Effect: While countries like China and the United States have the largest absolute import values (and thus remain the world's biggest consumers), their percentage growth is lower because their import volume is already enormous.
💎 Highest Value Commodities within the Crude Rubber Category (SITC Division 23)
| Commodity Rank | High-Value Rubber Product | Closest Relevant HS Code | Key Exporters (Dominate Production) | Estimated Global Annual Export Value (US$ Billion) |
| 1 | Fluoro-Rubber (FKM/FFKM) | HS 4002.99 (Other Synthetic Rubbers) | United States, Germany, Japan | $10 – 15$ |
| 2 | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/PVMQ) | HS 4002.99 (Other Synthetic Rubbers) | Germany, United States, China | $10 – 15$ |
| 3 | High-Performance Compounded Rubber | HS 4005 (Compounded Rubber) | Germany, Japan, South Korea | $3.5 – 5.0$ |
| 4 | Specialty Solution SBR/BR | HS 4002.19 / 4002.60 | South Korea, Japan, United States | $1.5 – 3.0$ |
| 5 | Technically Specified Natural Rubber (TSR) | HS 4001.29 (Other TSR) | Malaysia, Thailand | $4.0 – 5.5$ |
Conclusion
The trade value of UN Comtrade Division 23 (Crude Rubber) remains a highly sensitive indicator of global economic health and agricultural production in key Southeast Asian nations. While the long-term demand is robust, driven by the expanding automotive and industrial sectors, the value of this crucial commodity will continue to be buffeted by geopolitical events, energy market fluctuations, and the increasing push for sustainable sourcing and production.
Source: United Nations Comtrade (UN Comtrade) database