AGRICULTURAL GLOVES MARKET ANALYSIS

The global agricultural gloves market size is expected to witness a substantial rise in the coming future, and register a significant CAGR over the forecast period (2019 - 2027).

Market Overview

Agricultural gloves are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by farmers as protection against chemicals and pesticides used in crops. Since the highest amount of pesticide exposure occurs through the skin, it is important to wear protective gear such as quality gloves while handling harmful pesticides. In addition to pesticide handling, there is a wide range of occupational hazards that exist in the agriculture sector such as abrasion, puncture, and cut which refer to skin or tissue damage that occurs during harvesting and horticulture. Agricultural gloves are manufactured from various kinds of materials in order to protect the skin from stings, deep cuts, abrasions, and also while working in extreme weather. These polymers include rubber, latex, leather, and cotton.

Market Dynamics

The different types of agricultural gloves are cotton gloves, latex gloves, rubber gloves, and leather gloves. Rubber gloves account for the largest market share as they are widely preferred due to their ability to protect the skin in comparison to other types of gloves, such as cotton gloves which aren’t the most ideal when it comes to handling pesticides owing to cotton’s liquid absorption properties. Exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides can cause infections and lethal diseases. Rubber doesn’t allow liquids to percolate through its exterior, and is therefore a preferred material type. Moreover, there is a rise in demand for latex gloves as they are easily disposable and can be used for a variety of general applications other than chemical handling. Chemical resistant gloves can provide adequate protection to the skin, and unlike latex gloves, do not disintegrate easily. Governing bodies such as the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) do not recommend latex gloves or waterproof gloves for such applications in the agriculture sector, which may have some impact on the growth of the agricultural gloves market.

Furthermore, key players in the market are focused on product developments and innovations to strengthen their market position. For instance, manufacturers are investing in glove liners in order to provide protection from extreme cold, while also maintaining the quality and design that is fit for carrying out tasks with ease. Demand for agricultural gloves has increased over the years with rising awareness among the agricultural community in developed regions about safety and health risks caused due to exposure to chemicals.

Market Outlook

North America recorded the largest market share in the global agricultural gloves market, and is expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period. Recommendations from environment agencies in the region have influenced demand for chemical resistant gloves in developed economies. Asia Pacific has displayed significant growth potential, however there is still scope for more market penetration in emerging economies such as China and India, where the latter is a majorly agro-based economy. Lack of awareness in remote areas where majority of the population relies on agriculture as a source of income, regarding hazards associated with handling chemicals is hampering the growth of the market in the region. However, factors such as availability of raw materials and cheap labour in the region are estimated to provide growth opportunities for the market in Asia Pacific.

Key Players

Some of the major players operating in the global agricultural gloves market are Nano Meter Industrial, Fujian Nanan Jinxing Gloves Co., Ltd., Superior Glove, and Ansell Healthcare Europe among others.