Latin America and the Caribbean: Market for Natural Rubber And Gums 2025

Market Size for Natural Rubber And Gums in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American natural rubber and gum market declined to $X in 2022, falling by -4.1% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Production of Natural Rubber And Gums in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, natural rubber and gum production contracted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a noticeable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 210%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Brazil (X tons) remains the largest natural rubber and gum producing country in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 49% of total volume. Moreover, natural rubber and gum production in Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Guatemala (X tons), twofold. Mexico (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 20% share.

In Brazil, natural rubber and gum production increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Guatemala (-10.5% per year) and Mexico (+7.1% per year).

The average natural rubber and gum yield stood at X tons per ha in 2022, increasing by 2.5% on the previous year. In general, the yield, however, showed a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 7.8%. Over the period under review, the natural rubber and gum yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of natural rubber and gums production in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted to X ha, shrinking by -5.3% on the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha, and then reduced in the following year.

Exports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

After five years of growth, overseas shipments of natural rubber and gums decreased by -14.4% to X tons in 2022. Total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +63.5% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 27%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum exports declined to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, saw a modest increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 62% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Guatemala (X tons), together finishing at 99% of total export.

Guatemala was also the fastest-growing in terms of the natural rubber and gums exports, with a CAGR of +5.4% from 2012 to 2022. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Guatemala ($X) also remains the largest natural rubber and gum supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Guatemala was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 2.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 27% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Guatemala.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Guatemala amounted to -4.2% per year.

Imports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

Natural rubber and gum imports fell to X tons in 2022, dropping by -1.6% on the previous year's figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 24%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum imports dropped slightly to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a mild shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 65%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) represented roughly 80% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Colombia (X tons), comprising a 12% share of total imports. Argentina (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mexico (with a CAGR of +4.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Mexico ($X) and Colombia ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 91% share of total imports.

Mexico, with a CAGR of -0.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a perceptible curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 33%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Argentina ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton), while Colombia ($X per ton) and Mexico ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (-2.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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