VINAGRI News - Vietnam's rubber exports are demonstrating a strong recovery, with both trade value and volume trending upwards. This momentum is expected to continue through the remainder of 2025, driven by renewed supply and surging demand from the key Chinese market.
The strong resurgence is evident in recent export data, fueled by fresh supplies from the new harvest season and increased global demand.
Surge in key markets boosts August performance
According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, rubber exports in August 2025 saw volume increases to most major markets compared to the same period last year, with some registering double or even triple-digit growth:
China: Increased by 18%, reaching 159 thousand tons.
Malaysia: Rose by 30%, nearing 4,580 tons.
South Korea: Grew by 2.1%, at 2,923 tons.
Indonesia: Soared by 118%, reaching 5,000 tons.
Overall, Vietnam's rubber exports in August maintained growth momentum, reaching 217 thousand tons with a value of $359 million, marking a 3.3% increase in volume and a 4.1% increase in value compared to August 2024.
Eight-month review: Value outpaces volume
Cumulatively for the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam's rubber exports reached 1.11 million tons, generating $1.98 billion. This represents a slight 0.6% dip in volume but a significant 12.6% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024, thanks to higher prices.
The average export price for the eight-month period hit $1,775/ton, up 13.2% year-on-year. Notably, after dropping to a one-year low in July, the average export price in August rebounded by 2.2% compared to July 2025, reaching $1,658/ton.
Global price trends driven by supply concerns
Global rubber prices, which had been declining for several consecutive months, are also trending back up. The main factor driving this recovery is concern over adverse weather disrupting supply in major exporting nations. Recent weeks have seen continuous heavy seasonal rains across Southeast Asia, potentially impacting tapping activities and the output of natural rubber latex.
In early September, world rubber prices climbed to a five-month high due to fears that poor weather in key production regions could disrupt and reduce global supply. The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) notes that supply disruption risks have spurred buying activities following a period of weak demand and abundant supply, consequently boosting global prices.
China drives demand growth
Global rubber consumption is forecast to continue rising this year, particularly in China - the world's largest rubber importer. China’s General Administration of Customs reported that in the first seven months of 2025, the country imported a total of 4.85 million tons of rubber, valued at $9.3 billion, marking a 20% increase in volume and a 58% increase in value year-on-year.
China's accelerated rubber imports are aimed at meeting the increased consumption needs of its automotive tire manufacturing sector. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's auto production surpassed 18 million vehicles in the first seven months of 2025, an increase of nearly 13% from the same period last year.
ANRPC forecasts that global natural rubber consumption for the full year 2025 will rise by 1.3% compared to 2024, reaching 15.6 million tons. Significant consumption increases are projected for China (2.5%), India (3.4%), and Indonesia (7%), among others.
Competition and outlook
The competitive landscape remains intense, with Thailand aggressively expanding its market share in China. The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has partnered with China to export rubber via the Mekong River corridor, leveraging a zero-tariff rate. The first shipment of 400 tons of cup lump rubber is scheduled for September 2025.
The Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) forecasts that with increasing demand from China and the recovery of global rubber prices, Vietnam's rubber exports are expected to continue flourishing in the final months of 2025.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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