The natural rubber sector faces increasing pressure from imports.

The Brazilian rubber products industry already knows its main challenges and opportunities. The next step is to transform diagnosis into action. The assessment was presented by Albino Fernando Calantuono, a specialist in Competitiveness and Technology at Fiesp, during a lecture at the Knowledge Arena of Expobor 2026 and Pneushow 2026, this Tuesday (23). According to Calantuono, the sector faces increasing pressure from imported products, which already represent 43% penetration in the national market. At the same time, the chain faces structural challenges, such as the high Cost of Doing Business in Brazil, the absence of a long-term industrial policy, and increasingly intense competition from substitute materials, especially plastics. The study shows that 18.4% of rubber products are destined for the automotive sector, while most companies in the chain are small and medium-sized businesses. In the international scenario, China leads in practically all categories of rubber products traded by Brazil and accounts for 18.4% of global exports in the sector. Brazil, on the other hand, occupies only the 30th position in the world ranking, with a 0.7% share of exports. "China is practically in Brazil's backyard when we look at the Latin American market. It leads in scale, competitiveness, and productive capacity. But that doesn't mean Brazil doesn't have room for growth. We have the conditions to expand our international presence and transform Latin America into a large market for Brazilian products," highlighted Calantuono. According to the survey, several items manufactured in Brazil reach the market with prices higher than those of Chinese competitors, who compete not only on price but also on quality, availability, and delivery time. "Brazil has a unique opportunity to reposition its rubber supply chain with solutions that have a smaller carbon footprint, higher added value, and a focus on a circular economy. The reuse of waste, innovation in materials, and the offering of customized solutions can become important competitive differentiators," stated Calantuono. He also advocated for the creation of regulatory instruments and public policies capable of strengthening national competitiveness. "The rubber industry needs a consistent technological and industrial policy to modernize and compete on equal terms with the international market. Compliance programs, certification, traceability, and adequate regulation can contribute to enhancing the value of national production and combating unfair competition practices."

To learn more about the rubber industry, follow us. GEB-10 Rubber Indicator, a daily price reference for the Brazilian market recently launched by DATAGRO.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.