SunSirs: Thailand’s Natural Rubber Exports Decline Year-on-Year in First Four Months

The latest data indicates that during the first four months of 2026, Thailand’s total exports of natural rubber (excluding compound rubber) amounted to 861,000 tons—a year-on-year decrease of 15%. Specifically, exports of technically specified rubber (TSR) totaled 461,000 tons, down 21% year-on-year; ribbed smoked sheets (RSS) exports reached 142,000 tons, down 1%; and latex exports stood at 251,000 tons, down 11%.

As a leading global producer and exporter of natural rubber, Thailand saw its total natural rubber exports (excluding compound rubber) contract by 15% year-on-year during the first four months of 2026. With significant declines observed across various sub-categories—including TSR and latex—expectations of a tightening supply side are providing positive support for natural rubber prices. In the futures market, the benchmark SHFE natural rubber contract (2609) closed on May 25 at 17,460 RMB per ton—an increase of 60 RMB per ton from the previous trading day. With open interest rising by 2,440 lots and increased attention from market capital, futures prices are poised to gain further upward momentum; meanwhile, the spot market is also expected to exhibit price strength, bolstered by the anticipation of tightening supply.