IRSG confirms withdrawal of EU from 'member-government' list

London – The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has confirmed the departure of the European Union from the list of ‘member-governments’ of the organisation.

In a note on its website, the IRSG now lists the EU as a ‘former member country as of 30 June 2026’ – confirming an ERJ report published the month before.

The move could have a significant impact on the IRSG, particularly as the European bloc was understood to be the largest financial contributor to the Singapore-headquartered organisation.

With the departure of the EU, the IRSG’s list of member-governments now comprises: Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, India, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

ERJ has requested comment from the IRSG about this development.

Established in 1944, the IRSG is an inter-governmental organisation, with a remit to improve transparency and promote cooperation across the global rubber industry.

Member-governments are currently listed as: Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, European Union, India, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Activities include the production of statistics on natural and synthetic rubber markets, as well as organising industry meetings, working groups, conferences.

The organisation has been headquartered in Singapore since 2008, having previously been based in London.

Back in 2011, the US department of state decided to cease funding the country’s participation in the IRSG, citing doubt over the relevance of data being provided.