Report Update Feb 1, 2025

South Africa - Natural Rubber and Gums - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: Market for Natural Rubber And Gums 2025

Market Size for Natural Rubber And Gums in South Africa

In 2022, the South African natural rubber and gum market decreased by -45.8% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt decline. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Exports from South Africa

Natural rubber and gum exports from South Africa skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, growing by 30% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 95% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 108%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons) was the main destination for natural rubber and gum exports from South Africa, accounting for a 88% share of total exports. Moreover, natural rubber and gum exports to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Madagascar (X tons), more than tenfold. Botswana (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Zimbabwe stood at +45.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Madagascar (+2,266.4% per year) and Botswana (-5.0% per year).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the key foreign market for natural rubber and gums exports from South Africa, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Madagascar ($X), with a 6.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Swaziland, with a 2.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Zimbabwe totaled +34.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Madagascar (+2,655.1% per year) and Swaziland (-17.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average natural rubber and gum export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 1.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 172%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($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 Madagascar (+16.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in purchases abroad of natural rubber and gums, when their volume decreased by -55% to X tons. In general, imports saw a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 534%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum imports fell remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 417% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Thailand (X tons), Malaysia (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) were the main suppliers of natural rubber and gum imports to South Africa, with a combined 92% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Taiwan (Chinese) (with a CAGR of +171.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Thailand ($X), Malaysia ($X) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) were the largest natural rubber and gum suppliers to South Africa, with a combined 88% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Taiwan (Chinese), with a CAGR of +149.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average natural rubber and gum import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 48% 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.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (-1.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for natural rubber and gums in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of natural rubber and gum consumption in 2021 were Thailand, Indonesia and China, together accounting for 56% of global consumption. Vietnam, India, Malaysia and Cote d'Ivoire lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

What are the largest producers of natural rubber and gums in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of natural rubber and gum production in 2021 were Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, with a combined 63% share of global production. These countries were followed by India, Cote d'Ivoire, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, which together accounted for a further 24%.

What are the leading suppliers of natural rubber and gums to South Africa?

In value terms, Thailand constituted the largest supplier of natural rubber and gum to South Africa, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Malaysia, with a 9.4% share of total imports.

What are the leading importers of natural rubber and gums from South Africa?

In value terms, Mozambique emerged as the key foreign market for natural rubber and gum exports from South Africa, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Zimbabwe, with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Namibia, with a 7.3% share.

What is the average export price for natural rubber and gums in South Africa?

In 2021, the average natural rubber and gum export price amounted to $2,777 per ton, surging by 21% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for natural rubber and gums in South Africa?

The average natural rubber and gum import price stood at $2,263 per ton in 2021, rising by 5.2% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for natural rubber and gum in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

FCL 836 - Natural rubber

Country coverage:

South Africa

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

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While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION, HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Yield And Growth
16. Exports And Growth
17. Export Prices And Growth
18. Market Size And Growth
19. Per Capita Consumption
20. Imports And Growth
21. Import Prices
22. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
23. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
24. Area Harvested, 2012–2024
25. Yield, 2012–2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
28. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
29. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
30. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
31. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
34. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
35. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
36. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
37. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024