Glove supply to feel impact of COVID-19 until mid-2021 With healthcare, government, business, hospitality, and personal use all competing for the global glove supply, shortages remain a problem, and industry suppliers do not expect a change in tide anytime soon. Increased demand started in March 2020, when COVID-19 became an international health threat and a social media buzz word. Glove producers were quickly operating at capacity, and supply chains were coming to a standstill. Buyer’s supplies dwindled and their warehouses were emptied, as they were informed of backorders and shipping delays from factories. China shut down manufacturing for 60 days, and with the country producing 95% of the world’s vinyl gloves, smaller global manufacturers scrambled to keep up with demand. When Chinese factories began production again, the demand within that country itself prevented export. Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, the world’s leading nitrile and latex glove producers, were also hit hard by COVID-19. Factories were forced to cut back to as much as 50% production, as lockdowns and movement restrictions spread across Asian countries. Glove prices continue to soar as unprecedented demand, decreased production, raw material shortages, and shipping issues plague the industry.
ture-resistant Nitrile gloves remain optimal to protect against cross-contamination. Vinyl gloves are not an effective barrier during food handling and have three times the cross-contamination potential of quality nitrile gloves. Buyers are having to weigh employee and customer health with glove costs up as much as 130%. Poly gloves are relatively cheap to produce and have remained relatively affordable, but for the hospitality industry, just are not a viable option for workers. As countries continue to reopen and heightened concerns over hygiene and safety increase, glove use will only continue to rise. Glove manufacturers foresee production problems through the first half or 2021. Even as glove production returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, suppliers expect intermittent shortages. As buyers navigate shortages and are on the lookout for a deal, they should beware of scammers who are cashing in on rising demand. Scammers are selling faulty products, accepting orders, and failing to ship the product. Buyers should research new suppliers and be wary of an unbelievable deal.
With a limited supply of Nitrile and Vinyl gloves, buyers are turning to lower-cost Polyethylene gloves. Poly gloves are only intended for single-use, should not be used for prolonged periods, and are not safe for cleaning or food preparation.
Tips to avoid a scam include checking the company’s address to ensure it is an existing business location, and not a personal residence or empty lot. Also, check company reviews online. Overseas companies offering immediate shipment on goods should be a red flag. Factory lead times for shipments are currently at 180 days or longer.
A general misconception of gloves is that they are to protect the wearer. This is not true. Gloves are worn to prevent cross-contamination. If not worn appropriately, gloves become part of the problem. Thicker, punc
The best industry advice? Trust your tried-and-true suppliers and plan. Food and equipment suppliers have preestablished relationships with reputable glove importers.
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