Global rubber consumption, production fall sharply, IRSG says

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Singapore - Global rubber consumption and production are at their lowest points in years, according to the July-September Rubber Statistical Bulletin and Rubber Industry Report issued by the International Rubber Study Group.

Global rubber consumption was 20.8 million metric tons in the year to June 2009, its lowest level since June 2005, according to the IRSG. Year-on-year consumption for June 2009 fell 12.3 percent. This compares with the growth rate of -3.5 percent in March 2002, at the height of the last global recession, the IRSG said.

Global synthetic rubber production fell 13.7 percent in year-on-year terms in June 2009, while global natural rubber production declined 3.7 percent, the reports said. Because NR consumption has declined faster than production, however, the NR market had a slight surplus in June 2009, they said.

In the 2009 calendar year, NR consumption will fall 5.5 percent and SR consumption 7.3 percent, according to the IRSG.

IRSG publications are available free of charge to member governments and members of the Panel of Associates, the group said. Others may purchase annual subscriptions or single copies from www.rubberstudy.com.

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Global rubber consumption, production fall sharply, IRSG says from Rubber and Plastics News (a Crain publication)