Thailand, which accounted for 34.2% of global natural rubber (NR) production in 2021, exported 3.034 million tonsof NR from January to August 2022, up 10.3% year-on-year. Based on this strong export growth, Thailand’s total NR production for 2022 is projected to increase 11.7% to 5.4 million tons.
Thailand’s NR Export Structure
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According to the Thai Ministry of Finance, Thailand’s NR exports between January and August 2022 were composed of:
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38% TSR (Technically Specified Rubber),
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33% mixed rubber,
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15% latex, and
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10% RSS (Ribbed Smoked Sheet).
From September to December, Thailand enters its peak production season. Even with conservative assumptions, the country is expected to export at least 1.566 million tons during this period, bringing the total annual NR exports to an estimated 4.6 million tons, up 8.6% year-on-year.
Domestic Consumption Accelerates
Domestic NR consumption in Thailand is forecast to grow nearly 20% in 2022 to around 840,000 tons, driven mainly by expanding demand from rubber glove and medical product manufacturers.
The commissioning of new factories and the expansion of existing facilities have boosted domestic usage significantly.
Strong Production Recovery After Years of Disruption
Thailand’s NR production had declined for three consecutive years due to floods in 2019 and labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021.
The projected 11.7% rebound in 2022 largely represents a return to normal output levels, supported by favorable weather and improved farm productivity.
From 2018 to 2022, Thailand’s annual NR yield increased modestly from 1,495 kg/ha to 1,540 kg/ha, reflecting steady efficiency gains.
Government incentives by the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) — offering up to USD 3,500 per hectare to replace low-yield rubber plantations with food crops — have helped enhance national productivity.
Weather and Disease Impacts Under Control
Despite heavier-than-average rainfall (24% above normal from January to September 2022), southern Thailand — which accounts for over 50% of national NR supply — experienced limited disruptions.
Leaf fall disease affected less than 4% of total plantation area (about 150,000 hectares), far less severe than in neighboring Indonesia. Timely intervention by RAOT helped contain outbreaks and prevent recurrence.
Outlook
With both exports and domestic demand rising, Thailand’s total NR output is expected to reach 5.4 million tons in 2022, an increase of 564,000 tons over 2021.
The steady recovery demonstrates Thailand’s resilience as the world’s largest natural rubber producer and highlights the government’s effective production and disease management strategies.