The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its May 2024 Natural Rubber Statistical Report, projecting that global demand for natural rubber will increase by 3.1% this year—faster than the 1.1% growth in production.
The updated forecast reflects revised performance data from non-ANRPC member countries, which led to an upward adjustment in global demand and a downward revision of supply.
Falling Supply Amid Weak Farmer Interest
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According to ANRPC, declining global supply and reduced farmer engagement in tapping activities have continued to slow production growth, especially in traditional producing countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Additionally, adverse weather, leaf disease outbreaks, and persistently low rubber prices have significantly affected smallholder production. These factors are expected to constrain output through the remainder of 2024.
Malaysia’s Natural Rubber Output Drops 20% in April
Malaysia’s natural rubber production fell 20.9% in April to 21,325 tons, compared to 26,966 tons in March, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Year-on-year, production declined 9.1% from 23,460 tons recorded in April 2023.
Total rubber stocks decreased by 5.1% to 211,119 tons, while exports dropped 18.9% to 47,796 tons.
China remained Malaysia’s largest export destination, accounting for 44.8% of total exports, followed by India (11.4%), Germany (8%), the United Arab Emirates (4.3%), and Pakistan (3.9%).
Exports were mainly driven by rubber-based products such as gloves, tires, tubes, and rubber threads, which continue to support the industry’s value-added segment.
(Source: rubberworld.com)
Philippine Rubber Research Institute Establishes New Research Facility
The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Department of Agriculture to establish a new research and development headquarters, testing station, and rubber nursery on a 7-hectare site at the Integrated Zamboanga Sibugay Research and Extension Services (IZRES) Center.
Located in Zamboanga Sibugay—recognized as the “Rubber Capital of the Philippines” with over 80,000 hectares of rubber plantations—the facility will serve as a key hub for research, technology transfer, and extension services to support the growth of the Philippine rubber sector.
Established under Republic Act No. 10089, PRRI’s mission is to promote the Philippine rubber industry, enhance latex and raw material production, and empower smallholders and processors to improve productivity and profitability. The institute also spearheads research and development (R&D) projects to combat emerging pests and diseases, stabilize rubber prices, and attract more Filipinos to rubber cultivation and processing through technical support and modern technologies.
Government Commitment to Strengthen the Rubber Sector
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. emphasized PRRI’s crucial role in the development of the Philippine rubber industry, which supports over 700,000 farmers nationwide.
He reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to collaborate with PRRI, stating:
“The Department is committed to ensuring a strong and sustainable rubber industry. We renew our pledge to deliver efficient and effective public services that support agricultural growth and rural livelihoods.”