The price of disposable nitrile gloves is on the rise, driven by two key factors: new tariffs on Chinese-made gloves and port strikes at key U.S. shipping hubs. These challenges are disrupting the supply chain, and manufacturers are already increasing prices in anticipation of these future pressures.
Tariffs on Nitrile Gloves from China
Starting in 2025, the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on disposable nitrile gloves imported from China, escalating to 100% in 2026. Since China is a dominant supplier of nitrile gloves, this will significantly increase import costs. Many distributors will inevitably pass these rising costs down to businesses and consumers.
Manufacturers are responding by moving production to other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where trade conditions are more favorable. However, transitioning production takes time, so prices are expected to continue rising in the meantime.
Manufacturers Have Already Increased Prices
Manufacturers around the world have already raised prices on disposable nitrile gloves in anticipation of these disruptions. The looming tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding the global supply chain have pushed them to increase costs to safeguard against future challenges. This trend is being felt across multiple industries that rely heavily on these gloves, such as healthcare, food service, and sanitation.
Price hikes are already apparent due to rising raw material costs, supply chain bottlenecks, and labor shortages. As these issues compound, manufacturers are adjusting their prices to cover increased operational costs and potential risks.
Potential Port Strikes and Supply Chain Disruptions
Adding to the pressure, potential port strikes at key U.S. ports threaten to disrupt imports of nitrile gloves further. Labor disputes between port workers and management could result in significant delays. If ports shut down, businesses may face serious shortages, driving prices even higher.
