Cambodia seeks to boost domestic rubber use in tire sector

Phnom Penh – Cambodian authorities are stepping up efforts to strengthen the domestic rubber supply chain, with a focus on increasing local sourcing by tire manufacturers.

At a 17 March meeting organised by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), discussions centred on linking rubber producers with the country’s growing tire manufacturing base.

The talks focused on the “potential, challenges and policy solutions” to boost the use of locally produced rubber in tire manufacturing, which officials said could be treated as a form of “in-country export.”

Participants highlighted the need to improve coordination between suppliers and manufacturers to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.

According to CDC, Cambodia currently hosts eight tire manufacturing plants located across five special economic zones in Svay Rieng, Preah Sihanouk and Kratie provinces.

The initiative is aimed at supporting the development of an integrated domestic value chain, as the country expands its position as a regional hub for tire production.