Glove Tariffs in May 2025: What They Mean for Your Wallet
If you’ve been buying disposable gloves for your business—whether it’s a shop, clinic, studio, or even just for home use—you’ve probably noticed prices creeping up. Certain brands are harder to find, and the cost per box just isn’t what it used to be.
It’s not your imagination. As of May 2025, new trade policies and global supply issues have pushed glove prices higher. And while there’s been some short-term relief for certain imports, disposable gloves—and almost all of them are made in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia—are still facing tariffs that drive up costs.
Since those countries produce most of the world’s nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves, there’s no real way to avoid feeling the impact.
Here’s what’s going on, and how you can make smarter glove-buying decisions this year.
Tariff Pause? Yes—but not so much for gloves
In early May, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day reduction on some import tariffs. While that helped ease prices on a handful of products, disposable gloves weren’t part of the deal.
That means gloves made in China are still being tariffed heavily when imported into the U.S..
What Are the Tariffs on Chinese Gloves?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s currently being added to gloves made in China:
Medical Gloves (exam, surgical, etc.)
- 50% Section 301 tariff
- 20% fentanyl-linked national security tariff
-
10% standard base import tariff
Total: ~80% in added costs
Industrial Gloves (used in cleaning, automotive, food service)
- 25% Section 301 tariff
- 20% fentanyl-related tariff
-
10% standard base tariff
Total: ~55% in added costs
Yes, even industrial gloves are affected by the fentanyl-related tariff, which was enacted under national security rules. While this tariff isn’t specific to gloves, it does apply to a wide range of Chinese goods—including those made with synthetic rubber.
Can’t We Just Get Gloves From Somewhere Else?
That’s what most glove suppliers are doing—but there’s a catch.
China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand manufacture the vast majority of the world’s disposable gloves. Even when you switch away from China, you’re still likely getting gloves from one of these regions.
And now, those countries are facing tariffs too:
| Country |
U.S. Tariff Rate (as of May 2025) |
| Vietnam |
46% |
| Thailand |
36% |
| Indonesia |
32% |
| Malaysia |
24% |
Some of those tariffs have been temporarily reduced, but prices are still going up due to high demand and production bottlenecks. So even if you’re buying non-China gloves, you’re still feeling the squeeze.
What This Means for You
If you’re buying gloves for your business—or just want to keep a steady supply on hand—here’s what you should know:
1. Glove Prices May Keep Rising
Tariffs aren’t likely going away, and demand isn’t slowing down. If you wait, you may end up paying more later.
2. Country of Origin Affects Price
Gloves from one country can cost significantly more than the same type of glove from another. That’s why it’s important to know where your gloves are made
3. There’s No “Cheap” Country Anymore
All the major glove-producing countries are now tariff-affected. You can’t fully escape it—but you can find the best value based on your needs.
How to Shop Smart in 2025
You may not be able to avoid tariffs, but you can still protect your budget:
- Buy in bulk when possible. It lowers your cost per box and helps you avoid stock issues.
- Choose the right type of glove. If you don’t need medical-grade, industrial gloves may save you money.
- Don’t buy a thicker glove than you need. If a 6 mil nitrile glove gets the job done, there’s no need to spend extra on a 7 mil nitrile glove.
How UniSafeGloves.com Can Help
At UniSafeGloves.com, we’ve spent years building a global network of reliable manufacturers—so even when the market shifts, we’re ready.
- We source from countries with more stable pricing
- We list key details like glove use, thickness, and origin
- We offer bulk pricing for small businesses and personal buyers alike
- We have a deep inventory available in our US based warehouses.
If you're feeling frustrated with changing prices or uncertain about what glove to choose, we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts
There’s no getting around it—disposable gloves cost more because nearly all of them come from countries facing tariffs. And yes, that includes both medical and industrial gloves from China.
Whether you’re buying for a business or just want a solid glove at a fair price, it’s more important than ever to shop smart and stay informed.
We’ll keep doing our part to make sure you get the best value possible, without sacrificing quality.
Questions about our gloves, pricing, or where they’re made?
Reach out to our team—we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
