IRSG: Global rubber consumption falls 5.3% in first quarter

Singapore – Global rubber consumption fell 5.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, while production declined 3.3%, reported the International Rubber Study Group's (IRSG). 

The decline in consumption – of both natural rubber and synthetic rubber – was driven primarily by weaker demand outside Asia-Pacific, according to its latest Rubber Statistical Bulletin. 

Demand in Europe, the Middle East and Africe fell 9.7% year-on-year, while the Americas region registered a decline of 10.9%, said the report issued 7 Aug. 

Asia-Pacific consumption proved more resilient: falling just 0.5% compared with the first quarter of 2025, the industry body noted.

Within the natural rubber (NR) sector, global production declined 1.2% year-on-year in the first quarter, while consumption fell 6.3%.

According to IRSG, international NR trade also weakened during the quarter with imports down 4.8%, while exports fell 9.4% over the three-month period.

Synthetic rubber (SR) production, meanwhile, fell 4.7% year-on-year, while consumption declined 4.3%, the report continued.

Concluded IRSG, the figures point to “weakening rubber demand amid a challenging global economic environment and softer consumption across major markets.”