Global natural rubber output falls 5.5% in September

Kuala Lumpur – Global natural rubber (NR) production declined 5.5% year-on-year to 1.4 million tonnes in September, as weather conditions continued to affect output across major producing countries.

According to monthly figures published by the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), global NR consumption also declined during the month, falling 2.1% year-on-year to 1.228 million tonnes.

In its September statistical report, published 30 Oct, ANRPC estimated Thailand's NR production at 425,000 tonnes during the month, down 9.7% year-on-year.

Indonesian production fell 14.3% to 162,000 tonnes, while Vietnam recorded a 10.2% decline to 150,000 tonnes.

By contrast, Chinese output increased 9.2% year-on-year to 132,400 tonnes, while Cambodian production rose 27.4% to 54,000 tonnes.

ANRPC said production continued to be affected by "uneven rainfall and elevated temperatures," which slowed supply recovery across Southeast Asia.

On the consumption side, Chinese NR demand increased marginally to 594,300 tonnes in September, compared with 591,400 tonnes a year earlier.

Indian consumption declined 5.7% to 115,000 tonnes, while Thailand registered a sharper fall of 28.3% to 60,000 tonnes.

ANRPC said expanding electric vehicle markets in China, India and Europe continued to support "modest growth" in demand.

For the full year, the association maintained its forecast for global NR production growth of 0.6% to 15.039 million tonnes, unchanged from its August report.

The global NR consumption forecast remained unchanged, with demand projected to increase 0.4% year-on-year to 15.356 million tonnes.

Consumption is therefore expected to exceed forecast production by 317,000 tonnes.

ANRPC said demand prospects remained dependent on "vehicle sales, tire production, shipping conditions and weather-related supply disruptions."