SunSirs: Analysis of Market Impact from U.S. Natural Rubber Import Data

In March 2026, U.S. imports of natural rubber totaled 64,000 tons—a month-on-month increase of 16.8% but a year-on-year decline of 23.3%. For the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), cumulative natural rubber imports amounted to 177,000 tons, representing a year-on-year decrease of 17.5%.

As a major consumer of natural rubber, the U.S. saw its cumulative imports decline by 17.5% year-on-year during the January–March 2026 period. Although imports saw a slight month-on-month uptick in March, the overall trend reflects subdued overseas demand for natural rubber, exerting a generally bearish influence on prices. On the spot market, weak demand is weighing down spot price quotes; on the futures market, as of May 11, 2026, the closing price for the Shanghai Futures Exchange's benchmark natural rubber contract (Contract 2609) stood at 17,865 RMB/ton—down 175 RMB/ton from the previous trading day—with open interest decreasing by 506 lots, indicating a prevailing bearish sentiment in market trading.