HS Code:
Hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including nursing nipples), of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber, fall under HS Code 4014. This category includes items such as condoms, gloves, hot water bottles, and other rubber-based medical or hygienic products. These products are critical in healthcare and personal hygiene, often used in hospitals, clinics, and households. The trade of these articles is influenced by global health demands, manufacturing capabilities, and regulatory standards for safety and quality.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.1 billion
34.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 800 million
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 500 million
15.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 200 million
6.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
4.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Increased demand for hygienic products due to global health crises
Significant rise in trade volume, particularly for medical gloves and condoms, driven by pandemics like COVID-19
2020-2022
Shift towards sustainable and biodegradable materials
Growing consumer and regulatory pressure for eco-friendly rubber products, affecting production and trade policies
2021-2023
Regional production hubs in Southeast Asia
Malaysia and Thailand dominate production due to access to natural rubber and cost-effective manufacturing, influencing global supply chains
2018-2022
The EU has tightened regulations on medical rubber products under the MDR, requiring stricter compliance for imports of hygienic and pharmaceutical articles.
May 2021
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant manufacturers.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to fluctuating tariffs on Chinese rubber products, impacting the cost and availability in the US market.
January 2022
Shift in sourcing to alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia, benefiting countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
Post-COVID-19 supply chain challenges, including port delays and raw material shortages, have affected the production and trade of vulcanized rubber articles.
Mid-2022
Temporary price surges and delays in delivery, prompting buyers to diversify supplier bases.