ANRPC releases Monthly NR Statistical Report, September 2026

Foreword by Secretary-General

It is my honor to present the ANRPC Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for September 2026. This month was characterized by a rise in natural rubber prices across several markets, underpinned by constrained supply, steady downstream demand, and persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. Prices reached higher levels during the month, reflecting firm market fundamentals alongside continuing external pressures, including renewed conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to major shipping routes. Energy markets were particularly affected, as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on vessels attempting to transit the waterway raised risks to global energy supplies and strengthened the risk premium in crude oil prices.

As detailed in the report, physical natural rubber prices rose for most major grades in September 2026. The average price of SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur rose by 7.96% month-on-month to USD 2.50/kg, while STR-20 in Bangkok increased by 5.80% to USD 2.53/kg. RSS-3 in Bangkok edged down by 0.30% to USD 2.79/kg, and RSS-4 in Kottayam declined slightly by 1.39% to USD 2.88/kg. Meanwhile, the average price of latex-in-bulk in Malaysia rose by 3.60% to USD 1.79/kg. The softer RSS market was attributed to cautious purchasing by tyre manufacturers,

who limited buying to immediate requirements following earlier price increases. Latex prices, by contrast, were supported by tight supply, as persistent rainfall in key producing countries disrupted tapping and limited the availability of fresh and concentrated latex, while demand from the glove, healthcare and industrial sectors remained stable.

On the import side, China's imports rose by 2.56% month-on-month, India's by 11.36% and Malaysia's by 17.85%, while Viet Nam's declined by 3.40%. On the export side, Thailand's exports rose by 3.07%, Malaysia's by 7.30% and Cambodia's by 1.91%, while Indonesia's edged down by 1.40% and Viet Nam recorded the sharpest decline, at 9.72%.

Global natural rubber production is projected to increase by 0.6% to 15.039 million tons in 2026, from 14.953 million tons in 2025. Production continued to be affected by weather conditions, especially uneven rainfall and elevated temperatures, which slowed the supply recovery across Southeast Asia. On a monthly basis, global production is estimated at 1.4 million tons in September 2026. Global natural rubber demand is forecast to increase by 0.4% in 2026, reaching 15.356 million tons compared with 15.301 million tons in 2025. In volume terms, the largest increases in projected consumption are expected among ANRPC member countries. Demand prospects remain contingent on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related supply disruptions, while expanding electric-vehicle markets in China, India and Europe continue to support modest growth.

The Malaysian ringgit traded between RM4.04 and RM4.10 per US dollar, while the Thai baht traded between THB 32.89 and 33.55 per US dollar. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged CNY 19,070/ton (up 5.3% month-on-month) and the SGX for December 2026 contract averaged USD 2.41/kg (up 7.6% month-on-month, compared to price on August for November contract). Brent crude oil averaged USD 114.16 per barrel in September, a month-on-month rise of 25.3%, driven by heightened geopolitical risks and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

ANRPC remains committed to providing timely, authoritative, and objective analysis of the global natural rubber market in fulfilment of its mandate as an inter-governmental organization dedicated to the sustainable development of the natural rubber sector. I encourage member governments, industry partners, and all stakeholders to engage closely with the analysis presented in this report and to draw upon these findings in the formulation of evidence-based policies and strategic decisions. For subscription enquiries or to renew an existing subscription, please contact the ANRPC Secretariat at secretariat@anrpc.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Suttipong Angthong

Secretary-General