The Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) has consistently implemented the policy of “produce as much as you can sell.” Despite numerous challenges, through proactive and flexible measures, the Group successfully consumed over 500,000 tons of natural rubber in 2022 while maintaining a reasonable inventory level. Cao su Việt Nam gathered insights from VRG member companies and long-term partners about the strategies to stabilize and expand rubber market consumption.
“Certified Sustainable Rubber Is Increasingly in Demand and Expanding”
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– Mr. Võ Văn Thành, Chairman of VRG Japan Rubber Export JSC
Expanding the rubber market has become extremely difficult amid global instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemicand the Russia–Ukraine conflict, both of which severely impacted the world economy.
According to the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), global growth in 2023 is expected to be lower than in 2022 — meaning that natural rubber production and consumption are also affected.
“Before expanding the market, we must first strengthen existing ones,” said Mr. Thành. “Caring for and maintaining relationships with long-standing customers is crucial for VRG’s sustainable growth.”
He highlighted four strategic focuses:
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Maintain close relationships with existing customers — the foundation of VRG’s stability.
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Monitor market trends and diversify products to meet demand, including SVR Mix (SVR 10, SVR 3L) and high-quality Latex noprotein.
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Strengthen brand marketing through direct engagement and international promotion programs.
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Example: In October 2022, VRG Japan coordinated a live-stream product showcase from Phu Rieng Rubber’s SVR 3L factory to a customer conference in Japan — resulting in new testing and orders.
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Prioritize sustainable development, which will enhance competitiveness and integrate Vietnamese rubber deeper into the global value chain.
“Sustainable Rubber Production Is the Trend of the Era”
– Mr. Alex Yang, Sales Director, Sintex Group
“Sintex has traded rubber for over 45 years and collaborated with VRG for 25 years,” said Mr. Yang.
Sintex maintains long-term contracts with VRG to ensure stable supply for major tire manufacturers worldwide (many in the global Top 20).
He affirmed that producing sustainably certified rubber is now an inevitable global trend.
“Vietnamese companies must work harder to meet international sustainability standards, expand exports, and enhance product value.”
He praised VRG’s efforts in expanding PEFC-certified rubber plantations and Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certificationfor processing plants, noting that this has strengthened the global position of Vietnamese rubber products.
“Prioritize Reliable Customers with Strong Financial Capacity”
– Mr. Phạm Đình Luyến, General Director, Chu Păh Rubber Co., Ltd.
Despite low selling prices, Chu Păh Rubber has sold out all products since early 2023.
After two years of pandemic restrictions, the company resumed exports to Japan, shipping over 100 tons of RSS rubber, and currently maintains monthly exports of 60 tons to Japanese buyers.
“We will focus on building relationships with reputable and financially strong customers while maintaining ties with traditional partners,” Mr. Luyến stated.
Future target markets include Japan, India, and other high-standard importers. Chu Păh aims to further consolidate its brand reputation and product quality in the global market.
“Enhance Product Promotion Through Multiple Media Channels”
– Ms. Trần Thị Thủy, Deputy General Director, Chu Prông Rubber Co., Ltd.
Chu Prông Rubber’s sales remain stable, primarily in the domestic market, supported by trusted long-term customersand a diverse product portfolio (Latex, CV50–60, 3L, SVR10, 20).
The company plans to:
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Seek new customers while maintaining traditional ones, leveraging VRG’s support in international introductions.
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Continuously improve product quality, investing in modern processing equipment and quality control from field to factory.
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Encourage innovation and cost reduction through staff initiatives.
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Promote its brand widely via mass media and online channels.
“Our goal is to enhance visibility, reach new markets, and strengthen the trust that customers already have in Chu Prông Rubber,” Ms. Thủy emphasized.