Rubber and articles thereof (chapter 40): which countries import it
Chapter 40 covers natural and synthetic rubber, tyres, tubes, belts and rubber articles. Global imports reached USD 171 billion in 2025, led by the…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 40 covers natural and synthetic rubber, tyres, tubes, belts and rubber articles. Global imports reached USD 171 billion in 2025, led by the United States, Germany and China. Spain ranks eleventh as an importing country. Understanding tariff codes, compliance standards and target markets is essential for exporters.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 15 September 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 40
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 36,938,813,533 |
| Germany | 18,423,273,080 |
| China | 17,652,830,875 |
| France | 8,936,391,058 |
| Mexico | 8,461,094,314 |
| Canada | 7,110,786,376 |
| Italy | 6,825,083,248 |
| Poland | 6,147,411,563 |
| United Kingdom | 5,870,181,173 |
| Netherlands | 5,570,242,972 |
| Spain | 5,380,884,012 |
| Japan | 5,196,836,319 |
| Brazil | 5,094,420,285 |
| India | 4,861,817,762 |
| Australia | 4,186,851,371 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar gums; in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHeading 4001
- Synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip; mixtures of heading no. 4001 and 4002, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHeading 4002
- Reclaimed rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHeading 4003
- Waste, parings and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefromHeading 4004
- Compounded rubber, unvulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHeading 4005
- Unvulcanised rubber in other forms (e.g. rods, tubes and profile shapes) and articles (e.g. discs and rings)Heading 4006
- Vulcanised rubber thread and cordHeading 4007
- Plates, sheets, strip, rods and profile shapes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubberHeading 4008
- Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanised rubber (other than hard rubber), with or without their fittings (e.g. joints, elbows, flanges)Heading 4009
- Conveyor or transmission belts or belting, of vulcanised rubberHeading 4010
- New pneumatic tyres, of rubberHeading 4011
- Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps, of rubberHeading 4012
- Inner tubes, of rubberHeading 4013
- Hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including teats), of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubberHeading 4014
- Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubberHeading 4015
- Articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, n.e.c. in chapter 40Heading 4016
- Hard rubber (e.g. ebonite) in all forms, including waste and scrap; articles of hard rubberHeading 4017
Trade fairs in this sector
- Advanced Factories
- bauma
- BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
- Hannover Messe
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING
What you need to know to export rubber products
Chapter 40 includes seventeen tariff headings covering everything from raw rubber to finished articles like tyres, tubes, conveyor belts and clothing. Each heading has its own tariff rate, origin rules and compliance requirements depending on the destination country.
The United States accounts for 21% of global rubber imports, followed by Germany with 11%. These two markets alone represent USD 55 billion in annual demand. If you export from Spain, you already compete in the European market: Germany imports USD 18 billion yearly and France USD 9 billion.
Documentation includes the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and, if required, technical sheets or safety certificates. For EU exports, the EUR.1 form secures preferential tariff treatment. For exports outside the EU, you may need a non-preferential certificate of origin.
Common questions about exporting rubber products
What's the difference between natural rubber (heading 4001) and synthetic rubber (heading 4002)?
Natural rubber comes from plants, mainly the Hevea tree, and is processed into primary forms or sheets. Synthetic rubber is chemically produced from oils or plastics. Both have different tariff codes, origin rules and end uses. Natural rubber is used in tyres and industrial products; synthetic rubber offers consistency and cost advantages for specific applications.
Do I need a certificate of origin to export from Spain?
Yes. If you export within the EU, use the EUR.1 form to benefit from preferential tariff treatment in other EU countries. If you export outside the EU, request a non-preferential certificate of origin from your chamber of commerce. This proves the product qualifies as Spanish-origin under the destination country's rules.
Which markets outside the US and Germany are worth targeting?
China and France import USD 17 and USD 9 billion respectively. Mexico, Canada and Italy each import more than USD 5 billion yearly. Mexico and Canada offer tariff advantages under trade agreements and geographic proximity to North American supply chains. France and Italy are established EU markets with high demand for quality products.
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