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

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