HS Code:
Compounded rubber, unvulcanized, in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strip (HS Code: 4005) includes rubber mixtures that have been compounded with additives such as carbon black, silica, or other materials to enhance properties like strength and durability. This category is crucial for industries like automotive (for tire manufacturing), construction, and industrial goods production. The product is traded globally in raw forms before being vulcanized into final products.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or ASEAN agreements)
Rising demand for eco-friendly rubber compounds
Increased focus on sustainable sourcing and bio-based additives, driving innovation and higher costs for compliant producers
2021-2023
Growth in automotive sector in Asia-Pacific
Higher demand for compounded rubber for tire production, boosting exports from Thailand and Indonesia
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Price volatility and delays in shipments, particularly affecting European importers reliant on Asian suppliers
2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on rubber imports, requiring certification of deforestation-free supply chains for compounded rubber products.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters like Thailand and Indonesia, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the EU market
Thailand announced investments in new rubber compounding facilities to meet growing global demand, particularly from the automotive sector.
March 2023
Likely to solidify Thailand's position as the top exporter, potentially increasing trade volume by 10-15% in the next two years
Ongoing trade disputes have led to tariffs on Chinese rubber products, prompting US buyers to source more from Southeast Asian countries.
October 2022
Shift in trade flows benefiting exporters like Malaysia and Indonesia, while Chinese exports face reduced market share in the US