U.S. Disposable Gloves Import Data Brief (Jan-Jul 2025)

The United States market for disposable gloves underwent significant changes in the first seven months of 2025, characterised by a dramatic surge in vinyl glove imports, steady growth in medical-grade nitrile and latex, and a robust increase in industrial-grade equivalents. These trends highlight a market responsive to tariff policies, global supply chain capacities, and evolving procurement strategies.

Vinyl Gloves: A Remarkable Rebound Driven by Policy Shifts

July 2025 imports: 4.05 billion units (+99.5% MoM)
Jan–Jul 2025 Total: 30.14 billion units (-15.4% YoY)

The most striking story is the monumental month-over-month rebound of vinyl glove imports into the U.S. in July 2025. After a period of constrained volume, imports skyrocketed to 4.05 billion units, nearly doubling from the previous month. This surge is largely attributed to the easing of U.S.–China tariff policies, which unlocked pent-up demand for restocking among U.S. importers. Concurrently, Chinese vinyl glove manufacturers significantly increased their production output to meet the renewed demand, resulting in a sharp rise in shipments to the United States.

Despite this strong monthly performance, the cumulative total for the first seven months of 2025 remains 15.4% lower than the same period in 2024. This earlier decline was primarily driven by restrictive tariff policies that suppressed import volumes throughout much of the year, combined with cautious inventory management and order timing strategies.

Overwhelming Dependence on China for Vinyl Supply

The data further highlights the U.S. market’s continued heavy reliance on China for vinyl gloves. Vietnam’s limited production capacity means alternative sources are unable to fill the gap at scale. Consequently, a dominant 90.8% of all U.S. vinyl glove imports from January to July 2025 originated from China, solidifying its position as the near-exclusive supplier for this product category. This concentration underscores a key vulnerability and dependency within this segment of the PPE supply chain.

Medical Nitrile and Latex Gloves

Steady Growth Amidst Sourcing Realignment

July 2025 Imports: 6.38 billion units (+2.7% MoM)
Jan–Jul 2025 Total: 44.06 billion units (+10% YoY)In contrast to the volatile vinyl segment, imports of medical-grade nitrile and latex gloves demonstrated stable growth. July imports saw a modest 2.7% increase, contributing to a healthy year-to-date total of 44.06 billion units, which represents a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This consistent demand reflects the ongoing essential need for high-quality medical gloves across healthcare settings in the U.S., adhering to strict protection standards.

The most profound change occurred in the geographic sourcing of these medical gloves. In response to higher U.S. tariffs imposed on imports from China, U.S. importers have drastically diversified their supply chains.

A Dramatic Reshuffling of Medical Glove Imports

The shift in sourcing strategy is nothing short of dramatic. China’s share of U.S. medical nitrile and latex glove imports plummeted from 38.9% in 2024 to a mere 2.8% in the first seven months of 2025. This void was filled almost entirely by Southeast Asian nations. Malaysia emerged as the unequivocal leader, now supplying 67.5% of U.S. imports. Thailand also saw its share grow to 16.9%, while Vietnam significantly increased its contribution to 9.8%. This realignment demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of global supply networks in navigating trade policy changes, ensuring uninterrupted supply for critical medical products. The capabilities of these nations to meet stringent regulatory requirements have been crucial to this shift.

Industrial Nitrile and Latex Gloves

Significant Growth Fueled by Tariff Arbitrage

July 2025 Imports: 2.84 billion units (+28.5% MoM)
Jan–Jul 2025 Total: 19.18 billion units (+43% YoY)The industrial glove segment exhibited the strongest growth momentum, with July imports jumping 28.5% month-over-month to 2.84 billion units. The year-to-date figure reached 19.18 billion units, a substantial 43% increase year-over-year. This explosive growth is largely driven by a notable tariff differential: import duties on industrial-grade gloves are significantly lower than those on medically certified ones.

This cost advantage has led some importers and buyers to shift orders towards industrial-grade products where appropriate for their intended use, a practice known as tariff arbitrage. This trend suggests that for certain non-medical applications, functionality is being prioritised over medical certification, influenced heavily by cost considerations. Detailed historical trade data confirms this ongoing trend.

Sourcing Patterns for Industrial Gloves

The sourcing landscape for industrial gloves is more diversified compared to that of medical gloves. Malaysia remains the largest source, accounting for 39.9% of imports from January to July 2025. However, China has managed to slightly increase its share in this category, from 10.5% in 2024 to 11.6% in 2025, likely due to its competitive pricing and the lower tariff barrier for industrial goods. Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are also significant contributors, holding shares of 27.5%, 11.0%, and 7.3% respectively. 

Market Relies on Trusted Manufacturers Like INTCO Medical

The evolving import data for 2025 paints a picture of a mature and dynamic market that swiftly reacts to geopolitical, economic, and regulatory stimuli. The drastic shifts highlight the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. For U.S. buyers, navigating these changes requires partnering with reliable, large-scale manufacturers who can ensure consistent quality, stable supply, and compliance with all relevant regulations, whether for medical or industrial applications.

In this complex landscape, INTCO Medical stands out as a global leader in glove production. As a vertically integrated manufacturer with a commitment to innovation and quality, INTCO Medical has the scale and expertise to serve diverse market needs effectively. The company’s extensive product portfolio and robust distribution network make it a pivotal player for distributors and suppliers looking for reliability. Those interested in learning more about their manufacturing capabilities can explore their comprehensive production processes.

For those seeking a partnership with a proven industry leader, exploring INTCO Medical’s comprehensive capabilities is a logical step. As the market continues to adapt, aligning with the best nitrile gloves manufacturer ensures access to premium products, dependable supply, and the expertise needed to succeed in the competitive U.S. disposable gloves market.