Malaysia's NR production shows signs of slight uptick

ERJ staff report (DS)

Kuala Lumpur -- Malaysia's production of natural rubber in May was down by 30.6 percent on a year ago, at 57,026 tonnes. The May production was up by 13.9 percent over the previous month.

Exports also decreased substantially over a year ago, but grew since last month. Exports in May stood at 47,370 tonnes, down by 39.7 percent compared to May 2008, but up by 3.7 percent compared to April.

China took 15,218 tonnes -- almost one third of all exports. Korea took 4,792 tonnes, Germany 3,640 tonnes, USA 2,897 tonnes, Brazil 2,544 tonnes, Iran 2,195 tonnes, and France 1,797 tonnes.

In May 2009, imports of NR reached 58,971 tonnes, a massive increase of 68.5 percent over the figure from may 2008 and up by 14.8 percent when compared to April 2009. The main type of rubber imported was latex concentrate which accounted for 46.0 % of total imports during the reference month.

Domestic consumption of NR in May 2009 was 40,663 tonnes, up by 0.7 percent on the figure from May 2008 and an increase of 9.5% when compared to April 2009.

The price of SMR 20 in May 2009 was 562.43 cents, a increase of 1.9% compared to April 2008. When compared to the same month last year, the price decreased by 39.0%.

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Press release from Malaysian Statistical ofice