According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), China imported 5.297 million tons of rubber in 2021, including 2.385 million tons of natural rubber (45%), up 3.8%, and 2.912 million tons of mixed rubber (55%), down 17.7%compared to 2020.
China Remains the World’s Largest Natural Rubber Importer
China continued to be the world’s top importer of natural rubber (HS 4001) in 2021, followed by Malaysia (1.207 million tons), the United States (1.001 million tons), Japan (698,000 tons), and India (525,000 tons).
China’s main suppliers of natural rubber were:
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Thailand (51.1%)
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Malaysia (13.7%)
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Côte d’Ivoire (8.1%)
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Vietnam (7.4%)
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Indonesia (7.2%)
The average import price of natural rubber into China reached 1,618 USD per ton, up 20.8% from 2020. The majority of natural rubber imports were technically specified rubber (TSR, HS 400122), accounting for 64.1% of total value, followed by latex (HS 400110) at 18.1% and ribbed smoked sheet (RSS, HS 400121) at 9.9%.
Most natural rubber imports were subject to a 20% import duty, except for Laos, which benefited from a slightly lower rate of 19.3%.
Mixed Rubber Imports Drop 17.7%
Despite still exceeding natural rubber imports in total volume, China’s mixed rubber imports (HS 400280) fell by 17.7% in 2021.
Vietnam remained the largest supplier of mixed rubber to China, accounting for 41.5%, followed by Thailand (40.3%)and Malaysia (12.9%).
Mixed rubber enjoys a zero import tariff and can contain over 97% natural rubber, while pure natural rubber imports are taxed at around 20%. This tax advantage has driven China’s shift toward mixed rubber imports in recent years.
However, in 2021, the country reduced purchases amid slower demand and changing import regulations.
Market Outlook
China’s reduction in mixed rubber imports signals a strategic adjustment in sourcing and processing policies.
The continued dependence on natural rubber from Southeast Asia highlights the importance of regional trade partners such as Vietnam and Thailand in China’s rubber supply chain.
Analysts expect import volumes to recover gradually as China’s industrial and manufacturing activities strengthen post-pandemic.