Malaysia's NR ouput was up in April

ERJ staff report (DS)

Kuala Lumpur -- Malaysia's production of natural rubber (NR) recorded 62,363 tonnes in April 2011, an increase of 18.3 percent when compared to a year ago. However, for month-on-month comparison, production of NR declined by 625 tonnes (-0.9. percent). The smallholding sector contributed 95.7 percent of total NR production while only 4.3 percent was from the estate sector. Kedah preceded the other states in NR production at 25.9 percent, followed by Negeri Sembilan (22.9 percent) and Pahang (15.4 percent).

Total NR exported rose by 30,660 tonnes (+44.8 percent) to 99,112 tonnes in April 2011 when compared to last year. However, month-on-month comparison saw exports declining by 10.7 percent. Standard Malaysian Rubber (S.M.R) was the main type of NR exported (96.4 percent)of which more than half was S.M.R. 20 (58.0 percent).

In April 2011, 46,179 tonnes of NR was imported. Year-on-year comparison showed a decrease in imports of 3,163 tonnes (-6.4 percent). Similarly, month-on-month comparison recorded a higher decrease of 12,655 tonnes (-21.5 percent). The main type of rubber imported was latex concentrate which accounted for 48.3 percent of total imports.

Domestic consumption of NR in April 2011 was 32,184 tonnes, 4,144 tonnes (-11.4 percent) lower than the previous month. Year-on-year, domestic consumption of NR fell 14.4 percent.

The level of stocks of NR held at the end of April 2011 was 126,584 tonnes, a reduction of 30,377 tonnes (-19.4 percent) from the level of stocks of the previous month. Compared to a year ago, stocks held was also lower by 12,673 tonnes (-9.1 percent). Most of the stocks were held by Rubber Processors (86.4 percent).

In April 2011, the average price of NR recorded an increase when compared to the previous month. The average price of latex concentrate advanced by 57.51 sen (+5.8 percent) to 1,044.60 sen and S.M.R. 20, 61.16 sen (+4.3 percent)to 1,490.38 sen. Average price of latex concentrate and S.M.R. 20 continued to post a strong growth of 38.1 percent and 42.5 percent respectively when compared to a year ago.

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Press release from Malaysian Statistics Office