Vietnam’s rubber exports fell 7.9% in volume and 4.3% in value during the first half of 2026, totaling 639,000 tons and $1.23 billion. June 2026 exports reached 110,000 tons ($237 million), down 23.4% in volume year-on-year. Mixed natural/synthetic rubber (HS 400280) accounted for 58.5% of shipments—down from 61.4%—and saw an 8% volume decline. Prices rose sharply in May 2026: HS 400280 averaged $2,061/ton (+15.2%), latex $1,590/ton (+21.9%). China’s 95% share of mixed-rubber imports and its cautious purchasing amid high prices remain central constraints. The General Department of Import and Export stressed market diversification and traceability compliance as critical for long-term positioning.
According to doanhnghieptiepthi.vn, Vietnam’s rubber exports declined by 7.9% in volume and 4.3% in value during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
First-Half Export Performance
The General Department of Vietnam Customs reported that cumulative rubber exports from January to June 2026 totaled 639,000 tons, valued at $1.23 billion. This represents a 23.4% drop in volume and a 0.9% decline in value for June 2026 alone—versus June 2025—despite a strong month-on-month rebound. Monthly export volume in June 2026 reached 110,000 tons, with a value of $237 million.
Market Dynamics and Price Trends
The General Department of Import and Export noted that while natural rubber futures rose early in June 2026, prices retreated toward month-end due to anticipated supply increases across major Southeast Asian producers—including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam—as trees entered post-leaf-shedding high-yield cycles. Concurrently, rising synthetic rubber output and falling global oil prices further pressured natural rubber pricing, as substitute material production costs declined.
The average export price for mixed natural and synthetic rubber (HS code 400280) reached $2,061 per ton in May 2026—a 15.2% increase year-on-year. Latex averaged $1,590 per ton (+21.9%), and SVR 3L hit $2,308 per ton (+15.3%).
Product-Specific Shifts
Mixed natural/synthetic rubber (HS 400280) remained Vietnam’s top export category, accounting for 58.5% of total rubber volume in the first five months of 2026—down from 61.4% in the prior year. It shipped 312,096 tons, valued at $565.07 million, declining 8% in volume and 8.7% in value year-on-year.
- Latex exports: 68,257 tons (+0.1% volume, −3.7% value)
- SVR 10: 35,911 tons (−1.2%)
- SVR 3L: 33,256 tons (−20.7%)
- SVR CV60: 25,294 tons (+10.4%)
- Mixed rubber (HS 4005): +1,094% growth year-on-year
China Dependency and Structural Challenges
China accounts for approximately 95% of Vietnam’s mixed natural/synthetic rubber imports. With rubber prices remaining elevated, Chinese buyers have adopted more cautious procurement strategies—directly impacting Vietnamese exporters. This heavy reliance amplifies sensitivity to demand fluctuations in China’s tire manufacturing sector, which drives most of the import demand.
The Department emphasized that medium-term competitiveness hinges on diversifying markets, reducing single-market dependence, deepening downstream processing, and meeting traceability standards required by global supply chains.
Outlook and Strategic Priorities
Near-term export momentum will depend on three interlinked variables: international rubber pricing, Chinese demand recovery, and the pace of global tire industry rebound. In the medium term, Vietnam’s rubber sector must advance beyond raw-material exports. As stated in the report:
“Expanding markets, reducing dependence on a single large outlet, developing deep-processed products, and meeting origin-traceability standards will determine Vietnam rubber’s position in the global supply chain.” — General Department of Import and Export, Ministry of Industry and Trade
Source: doanhnghieptiepthi.vn
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
