NEWS

The global demand for protective equipment continues to evolve, and disposable polyethylene (PE) products remain a critical part of the supply chain. In the first seven months of 2025, China’s exports of PE gloves, PE shoe covers, and PE isolation gowns highlighted both steady market demand and emerging shifts in key trading regions. These PE disposable products are essential in healthcare, food processing, laboratory safety, and everyday protective use, and their trade performance offers valuable insight into broader economic and public health trends. According to China Customs official statistics, PE exports in early 2025 reflected both resilience and challenges, underscoring the importance of adaptability and innovation in this sector.

China’s Overall Export Performance of PE Disposable Products

From January to July 2025, China exported 314.9 billion PE gloves, representing a 5.5 per cent year-on-year decline. July alone saw exports of 45.9 billion units, a slight month-on-month increase of 0.2 per cent but an 11.9 per cent decrease compared to July 2024. This fluctuation reflects global inventory adjustments, shifting demand in healthcare procurement, and post-pandemic normalisation of consumption. The performance of PE gloves as a core protective item is closely watched because they are widely used in medical procedures, cleaning services, and food handling.

PE shoe covers showed more stability. Export value between January and July 2025 totalled $12.33 billion, representing a 1.3 per cent year-on-year growth. July exports reached $1.77 billion, down 6.3 per cent from June but up 5.1 per cent from July last year. Shoe covers play a vital role in infection control in hospitals and are equally important in the food industry, a field governed by strict USDA food safety guidelines.This highlights why PE shoe covers remain a consistent demand driver.

Meanwhile, PE Isolation Gowns also gained traction, with exports totalling $714 million from January to July, a year-on-year increase of 2.9 per cent. July exports were $98 million, down 12.6 per cent from June and 3.9 per cent lower than the previous year. This reflects seasonal purchasing patterns and a shift from pandemic-driven bulk orders toward stable procurement.  PE Isolation Gowns remain essential for infection control, as emphasized by WHO PPE guidance. Many hospitals and laboratories continue to rely on products such as PE Isolation Gowns to safeguard frontline staff.

Key Export Markets and Regional Trends

The United States remains China’s largest single destination for PE disposable products. Between January and July 2025, the U.S. imported 87.1 billion PE gloves, accounting for 27.7 percent of China’s total glove exports. For shoe covers, U.S. demand reached $3.05 billion, or 24.8 percent of total exports. In PE Isolation Gowns, the U.S. also led with imports worth $101 million, representing 14.2 percent of China’s total shipments. This dominance illustrates how the U.S. healthcare and food processing industries continue to rely heavily on stable imports to meet safety standards.

Europe also showed a strong presence, with Belgium moving up two places among the top glove importers, signalling expanded procurement for both healthcare and industrial applications. Canada dropped two places, while Mexico entered the top 10, reflecting shifting North American trade dynamics. In shoe covers, Vietnam and Thailand climbed one place each, while Japan and the United Kingdom dropped slightly, pointing to Southeast Asia’s growing role in PPE consumption. For PE Isolation Gowns, Indonesia advanced two spots, while Russia and the UK fell, demonstrating Asia’s rising demand compared to Europe’s moderation.

These movements underline that while the U.S. remains a dominant buyer, Asian and European markets are diversifying their sourcing. Companies like INTCO Glove Division are positioned to serve these evolving needs, leveraging global networks and local expertise.

Market Drivers: Healthcare, Food Safety, and Industry

The demand for PE disposable products is closely tied to healthcare infrastructure, food safety compliance, and industrial hygiene. In hospitals, gloves, shoe covers, and PE Isolation Gowns are frontline defenses against cross-contamination. The FDA’s medical glove standards ensure that products meet strict performance criteria before reaching American healthcare providers. Compliance with these regulations is critical for manufacturers serving international markets.

In food processing, disposable gloves and shoe covers are mandated for safe handling and production. Guidelines such as those from the CDC on food safety practices emphasize the importance of protective equipment in reducing contamination risks. The steady demand from food service and food production companies helps stabilize glove and shoe cover consumption even when healthcare demand fluctuates.

Industrial users also rely on PE disposable products for chemical handling, laboratory testing, and manufacturing environments. Here, PE Isolation Gowns prevent hazardous exposure and align with occupational safety standards enforced by OSHA.

Sustainability and Future Outlook

While demand for disposable PE products remains high, sustainability concerns are reshaping the market. Traditional PE gloves and covers are not biodegradable, which poses challenges for landfill management. The global shift toward greener alternatives is accelerating research into biodegradable and compostable materials. Reports such as the EPA’s sustainable materials management strategy highlight the importance of reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.

Some manufacturers are innovating with eco-friendly materials to meet growing demand for biodegradable disposable gloves. These products promise faster decomposition while maintaining protective performance. Market projections suggest that demand for sustainable PPE will increase significantly, especially in North America and Europe, where environmental regulations are strict.

For PE Isolation Gowns, improvements in recyclable PE fabrics and sustainable additives are being explored. Standards from ASTM International continue to guide testing and certification for materials claiming biodegradability or compostability. Businesses that adapt to these changes early are likely to benefit from regulatory alignment and customer trust.

INTCO Medical’s Global Leadership

Amid these trends, INTCO Medical stands out as a key player driving innovation in protective solutions. With a comprehensive portfolio covering PE gloves, PE shoe covers, and PE Isolation Gowns, INTCO provides end-to-end protection for healthcare, food processing, and industrial users worldwide. Beyond product development, the company invests in sustainable practices, ensuring its solutions meet the dual goals of safety and environmental responsibility.

As highlighted on the INTCO Medical, the company’s strategy focuses on combining product excellence with global distribution capabilities. For partners and businesses seeking tailored solutions, contacting INTCO provides direct access to expertise and support.

Conclusion

China’s export performance from January to July 2025 reveals a dynamic market for PE disposable products. Gloves, shoe covers, and PE Isolation Gowns all showed varied growth patterns, with the U.S. maintaining its lead as the largest market while Asia’s share continues to expand. Sustainability concerns are shaping future demand, driving innovation in biodegradable and eco-friendly materials.

In this evolving landscape, INTCO Medical plays a defining role as a trusted global supplier. Recognized as the largest latex-free disposable gloves manufacturer, INTCO combines quality, compliance, and innovation to serve diverse industries while contributing to a more sustainable future. Businesses worldwide can rely on INTCO’s leadership to deliver safe, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for the next generation of protective equipment.