Thailand — the world’s largest natural rubber (NR) supplier — exported 416,000 tons of NR in June 2022, including mixture rubber and compound rubber, marking a 22.8% increase compared to June 2021.
According to data released by the Thai Customs Department on July 28, Thailand’s total NR exports in the first half of 2022 (January–June) reached 2.482 million tons, up 7.6% year-on-year.
Export Composition and Product Breakdown
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In June 2022, Thailand’s NR exports consisted of:
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33% mixture rubber
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31% TSR (Technically Specified Rubber)
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25% latex
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11% other forms, including RSS (Ribbed Smoked Sheets)
This diversified product structure reflects Thailand’s strong integration of processing and export-oriented production in the global rubber market.
China Dominates as Key Export Destination
Thailand remains highly dependent on China, which accounted for 51% of its NR exports in June 2022.
Other major destinations included:
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Malaysia: 11%
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United States: 5%
Out of the 214,000 tons exported to China, 63% were mixture rubber (HS 400280). This category benefits from zero import tariffs under the ASEAN Trade Agreement, while TSR and compound rubber imports are subject to a 20% tariff (or CNY 1,500 per ton, whichever is lower).
Surge in Latex Exports Driven by China’s Glove Industry
Centrifuged latex accounted for 20% of Thailand’s total NR exports to China in June 2022 — rising sharply from 10,000 tons in June 2021 to 42,000 tons a year later.
This surge aligns with China’s rapid expansion of rubber glove manufacturing capacity over the past two years, spurred by pandemic-driven global demand. While Malaysia remains the global leader in glove production, manufacturing capacity is gradually shifting toward China and Thailand, increasing regional demand for imported latex.
Meanwhile, 89% of the 47,000 tons of NR exported to Malaysia in June were centrifuged latex, although Thailand’s latex exports to Malaysia have declined during the first half of 2022.
Exports to the United States, Japan, and Beyond
Thailand exported 21,000 tons of NR to the United States in June 2022 — 52% of which was TSR.
Exports to the U.S. grew by 18.2% year-on-year in June and 18.8% during the first half of the year (January–June).
In June, Thailand exported 136,000 tons of mixture rubber, 99% of which went to China, at an average FOB price of USD 177.3 per 100 kg.
For TSR, Thailand exported 131,000 tons in June, with China accounting for 26%. FOB prices varied between USD 166.5–187.5 per 100 kg, depending on the destination market.
Out of 103,000 tons (wet weight) of centrifuged latex exported, Malaysia and China each received 41%, with FOB prices ranging from USD 136.2–159.2 per 100 kg.
Thailand also exported 33,000 tons of RSS, with 27% going to Japan and 21% to the United States. The FOB price for RSS ranged from USD 199.0–219.0 per 100 kg, depending on the destination.