Japan: Unvulcanized Rubber Market 2025

Unvulcanized Rubber Market Size in Japan

After two years of decline, the Japanese unvulcanized rubber market increased by 3.7% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 7.3%. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Unvulcanized Rubber Production in Japan

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Unvulcanized Rubber Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, unvulcanized rubber exports from Japan dropped to X tons, with a decrease of -6.9% against the year before. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber exports stood at $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 18%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), Thailand (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main destinations of unvulcanized rubber exports from Japan, together accounting for 58% of total exports. Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, India, Hong Kong SAR and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 36%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mexico (with a CAGR of +32.8%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof exports from Japan, comprising 31% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 9.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China amounted to +2.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+1.2% per year) and Thailand (+4.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average unvulcanized rubber export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 9.5% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild slump. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Belgium (+16.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Unvulcanized Rubber Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2022, purchases abroad of unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof decreased by -2.9% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, imports showed a perceptible descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber imports reached $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 8.6%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) were the main suppliers of unvulcanized rubber imports to Japan, together accounting for 62% of total imports. Thailand, Taiwan (Chinese), Italy, Vietnam, the United States and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +28.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Malaysia ($X) and Thailand ($X) appeared to be the largest unvulcanized rubber suppliers to Japan, with a combined 52% share of total imports. South Korea, Italy, the United States, Taiwan (Chinese), Vietnam and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +22.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average unvulcanized rubber import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 3.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a slight descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 6.1%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+16.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :