The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) reports that in 2018, world production of natural rubber (NR) accounted for 13.960 million tonnes, which means an increase of 4.6% in output compared to 13.350 million tons in the last year tons. Meanwhile, the world demand recorded an increase of 5.2% (in year-to-year terms) amounting to 14.017 million tons in 2018. According to ANRPC, this led to a deficit in demand of 57,000 tons of NR during the period.

ANRPC reports that some recovery in NR prices had been spotted across physical and futures NR markets during December 2018. Even though 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 USD 1.50 per kg (average price of block and sheet rubber in December 2018).

ANRPC’s report says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained its earlier estimate for the global growth at 3.7% despite weaker performances in some economies. Trade tensions between China and the United States have eased after both countries have agreed to halt the new tariffs for 90 days and allowed talks during this period. With the involvement of President Trump in the negotiations (Trump showed his desire for making a deal with China), some optimistic results from these talks may become visible already in the coming weeks.

The analysis and the data provided by the ANRPC in its publication can help to closely understand the prevailing situation in the market and the emerging scenario.

To read full publication and get access to the data, please proceed to ANRPC’s website.

Article by ANRPC.