The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) is happy to release the Natural Rubber Trends & Statistics, December 2018.

From Secretary-General's Desk

In 2018, world production of natural rubber (NR) accounted 13.960 million tonnes, an increase of 4.6% from 13.350 million tonnes on a year-to-year basis. Meanwhile, the world demand recorded an increase of 5.2%, year-to-year, amounting to 14.017 million tonnes in 2018. This resulted a deficit in supply of 57,000 tonnes of NR during the reference period. This scenario is attributed to the recent revision from Thailand. 

Some recovery on NR prices spotted across physical and futures markets during December 2018. Although millions of rubber smallholders still have been affected with the low rubber prices, but this rebound was timely to close the year of 2018 with a higher low of US$1.50 per kg (average price of block and sheet rubber for the month of December 2018). 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained its earlier estimate for the global growth at 3.7% despite weaker performances in some economies. Trade tension between China and the United States (US) has eased after both countries have agreed to halt the new tariffs for 90 days and allowed talks during this period. With the involvement from President Trump in the negotiations who has showed his desire for making a deal with China, the some promising results from these talks may be available in the coming weeks. 

The analysis and data given in this publication could help to closely understand the prevailing situation in the market and the emerging scenario. ANRPC owes a debt of gratitude to its statistical correspondents in the member countries and the esteemed users of this publication.


Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich
Secretary-General