MERCOSUR: Unvulcanized Rubber Market 2024

Unvulcanized Rubber Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2022, the MERCOSUR unvulcanized rubber market increased by 2.8% to $X, rising for the sixth year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the market value increased by 5.7% against the previous year. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Unvulcanized Rubber Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 0.3%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Unvulcanized Rubber Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, overseas shipments of unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof increased by 3.6% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, exports, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 24%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber exports rose rapidly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 22%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil was the key exporting country with an export of around X tons, which amounted to 75% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons), creating a 19% share of total exports. The following exporters - Peru (X tons) and Colombia (X tons) - each recorded a 3.9% share of total exports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof exports, with a CAGR of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022. Peru (-2.9%), Colombia (-6.2%) and Uruguay (-15.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+43 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Uruguay (-36.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest unvulcanized rubber supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 78% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Uruguay ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Colombia, with a 2.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil totaled -1.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Uruguay (-16.1% per year) and Colombia (-6.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild decline. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (-0.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Unvulcanized Rubber Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, overseas purchases of unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof increased by 0.2% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, unvulcanized rubber imports rose markedly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 40%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil was the largest importing country with an import of around X tons, which finished at 46% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), Chile (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Colombia (X tons), together generating a 49% share of total imports. Ecuador (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -4.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Peru (+1.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Peru emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +1.3% from 2012-2022. Chile experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Argentina (-1.3%), Ecuador (-6.4%) and Colombia (-8.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Chile, Argentina and Peru increased by +3.9, +3.7 and +2.8 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported unvulcanized rubber and articles thereof in MERCOSUR, comprising 51% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil totaled -3.2%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Argentina (-1.3% per year) and Chile (-1.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 8.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform