Market evolution: Rubber or plastic gloves (CN 611610) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the European Union's trade in rubber or plastic-coated knitted gloves (customs code 611610) from 2015 to 2025. Over the decade, the EU market has undergone a profound structural transformation, characterized by a dramatic surge in import dependency, significant price volatility, and a notable shift in the bloc's competitive positioning. By examining trade flows, partner dynamics, and market concentration, we can identify the key forces shaping this sector, including the impact of global shocks and evolving supply chains.

I. The Surge in Import Dependency and the Erosion of Domestic Production

The most striking trend over the period is the EU's decisive pivot from relative self-sufficiency to heavy reliance on foreign suppliers for this product category. This shift is underpinned by collapsing domestic production and steadily rising import volumes.

Domestic production has contracted sharply

EU production of these gloves has declined dramatically. The quantity produced fell from approximately 72.1 million pairs in 2015 to just 40.0 million pairs in 2025, a decrease of 44.5%. The production value followed a similar downward trajectory, shrinking by 36.8% from €118.8 million to €75.1 million Production volumes. This sustained decline indicates a long-term loss of competitiveness or strategic offshoring by European manufacturers.

Imports have become the market's backbone

In parallel to the production decline, imports have surged to fill the gap. The EU's net import reliance skyrocketed from 30.1% in 2015 to 92.7% in 2025, meaning the bloc now depends on foreign suppliers for nearly all its net consumption. Total import value grew from €540 million to €752 million (+39.3%), while the quantity in tonnes increased by 20.0% Trade overview.

The trade deficit has widened considerably

Consequently, the EU's trade deficit for this product has ballooned. The deficit grew from -€483 million in 2015 to -€676 million in 2025, an increase of 39.9% Trade overview. This underscores the structural shift in the market's balance of trade.

II. Price Shocks and Supply Chain Volatility in a Concentrated Market

The increased import dependency has exposed the EU to significant price volatility and supply risks, particularly from its dominant suppliers. The 2020-2022 pandemic period acted as a major catalyst, amplifying pre-existing trends.

Import prices have risen, with a major spike in 2022

The average price per tonne for EU imports increased from €10,102 in 2015 to €11,720 in 2025 (+16.0%). However, this masks a significant spike in 2022, when the price peaked at €13,550 per tonne Trade overview. This aligns with detected price shocks from key partners.

Specific supply shocks have disrupted key corridors

The volatility analysis identifies major price shocks linked to global events. For instance, imports from Sri Lanka experienced a 62.8% price shift centered in 2022, a period marked by the country's economic crisis. Similarly, exports to Ukraine saw a 126.5% price surge in 2022, likely reflecting the disruption and sudden demand following the onset of the war. These shocks highlight the vulnerability of relying on specific corridors.

Import concentration has intensified, increasing risk

The EU's import market has become more concentrated. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import value rose from 3,498 to 4,107 (+17.4%) Concentration. This indicates that a smaller share of partners now accounts for a larger portion of imports. The primary beneficiary has been China, which saw its share of EU imports grow from €296 million to €460 million (+55.4%). Vietnam emerged as a major new supplier, with imports exploding by 497.7% to €41.1 million Top partners. Conversely, the role of South Korea diminished sharply (-71.0%).

III. Shifting Competitive Landscapes and Internal EU Rebalancing

While the EU as a whole has become a larger net importer, the performance of individual Member States reveals a more nuanced picture of internal specialization and external outreach.

Specialization within the EU has polarized

In 2025, a clear divide existed between specialized and non-specialized Member States. Countries like Sweden (RSCA: 0.591) and Belgium (RSCA: 0.473) demonstrated a strong revealed comparative advantage in exporting these gloves Specialisation. In contrast, economies like Ireland and Romania showed extreme comparative disadvantage. This suggests niche production and export activities persist within the EU, even as overall production declines.

EU export patterns have diversified geographically

The EU's export profile has shifted significantly. The United Kingdom remains the top destination but saw its share of EU exports drop by 46.9% Top partners. Exports to other markets grew robustly: Switzerland (+137.5%), Norway (+270.5%), and the United States (+94.9%). Notably, exports to Ukraine surged by 734.5% prior to the 2022 shock, indicating growing integration with Eastern European markets.

Internal EU trade hubs have realigned

Among EU exporters, Portugal and Sweden have emerged as major growth stories, with their export values increasing by 249.5% and 360.0% respectively over the period Reporters. Germany remains the largest EU exporter by value, growing by 70.1%. Meanwhile, traditional hubs like Belgium and France saw their export values decline by 61.7% and 28.0% respectively. On the import side, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands became the largest importers within the EU, with Sweden and Poland showing the highest growth rates in import spending (+110.1% and +81.6%).

Conclusion

The EU market for rubber or plastic-coated knitted gloves between 2015 and 2025 has been redefined by a fundamental trade-off: a gain in cost efficiency and access to global supply chains has come at the price of near-total import dependency and heightened vulnerability to external shocks. The collapse of domestic production is now structurally linked to a deeply concentrated import base, primarily in Asia. While some EU Member States have carved out specialized export niches, the bloc's strategic autonomy in this product segment has severely diminished. The market's future trajectory will likely be influenced by supply chain diversification efforts, geopolitical stability in key supplier regions, and the EU's ability to maintain competitiveness in the niche, higher-value segments it still controls.