Natural Rubber (NR) is an important natural polymer material, primarily derived from the latex of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The main component of natural rubber is cis-1,4-polyisoprene, an unsaturated carbon-chain polymer that constitutes 91% to 94% of its composition. In addition to rubber hydrocarbons, natural rubber contains small amounts of non-rubber substances, including proteins, fatty acids, ash, and sugars.

        Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, natural rubber is widely used in various fields. It is essential in the manufacturing of tires, conveyor belts in industrial products, cable sheaths, rubber hoses, rubber sheets, and various industrial seals. In the defense and military sectors, natural rubber is used for seals, buffers, and protective equipment in aircraft, tanks, and ships. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in medical devices, sports equipment, and the construction industry.

        China is one of the major consumers of natural rubber. However, the domestic production of natural rubber in China cannot meet its demand, necessitating substantial imports to bridge the supply-demand gap. Consequently, China's natural rubber market is import-driven, with import volumes and values significantly exceeding export volumes and values.

        According to customs data, from 2018 to 2023, China’s total natural rubber exports amounted to 3,018 tons, while imports totaled 3,380,698 tons, resulting in a trade deficit. During the pandemic years of 2021-2022, China's natural rubber exports saw continuous growth, with year-on-year increases of 96.46% and 88.38%, respectively. However, import volumes declined by 3.65% year-on-year during this period, with import prices continuously rising. These market changes are largely related to the global pandemic and may also be influenced by shifts in trade policies among various countries.

        In terms of market distribution, the import and export landscape of China’s natural rubber is quite complex, influenced by multiple factors such as global supply chains, trade policies, seasonal variations in production areas, and international price fluctuations. China's natural rubber imports primarily come from Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These countries are major global producers of natural rubber, possessing abundant rubber resources and well-established industrial systems. Thailand, in particular, is the largest exporter of natural rubber in the world and is the main source of China's rubber imports.

        Compared to imports, China's natural rubber exports are relatively small because domestic production is primarily used to meet the large domestic demand. Exports typically consist of surplus production or specific types of rubber products. The main destinations for China's natural rubber exports are neighboring countries or markets with specific demands, such as Russia, Vietnam, North Korea, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. Although China has a large area dedicated to rubber cultivation, production is unstable due to factors such as climate and pests, which in turn affects import and export strategies.

        Overall, natural rubber plays an indispensable role in various industries due to its excellent properties, making it an essential material in modern economy and daily life.

        As the first data company in China, GuoMaoTong can provide detailed customs data on imports and exports from over 80 countries since 2010. This includes precise online analysis of market distribution, detailed transaction information of import and export enterprises, specific volume and price analysis, and supply cycles. This reliable data serves as a foundation for major foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

(This article is an original creation by Guomao Tong. Please indicate the source when reposting.)