Natural rubber consumption rises 7.2% in 2010

July 7, 2011

Following the rapid recovery and growth seen in 2010, global rubber consumption is forecast to reach 25.7 million tons in 2011. The forecast includes both natural rubber (NR) and synthetic rubber (SR), with NR consumption of 11.2 million tons.

The information is in the June edition of the World Rubber Industry Outlook, now available from the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). IRSG says that in the longer term, global rubber consumption is forecast to reach 35.9 million tons by 2020, with NR consumption of 16.5 million tons.
According to the report, global rubber consumption reached 24.6 million tons in 2010, 15.3% higher than in 2009. The group says this reflects a strong recovery in the demand for vehicles and tires. Global SR production was 14.1% higher than in 2009, in line with the strong recovery seen in SR consumption, while global NR supply was 7.2% higher than in 2009.
Global rubber demand is forecast to reach 25.7 million tons in 2011 and 27.6 million tons in 2012. Global SR demand is expected to grow by 5.0% in 2011 and 9.0% in 2012, while global NR demand is forecast to rise by 3.8% in 2011 and 5.4% in 2012. Partly due to the impact of higher prices, and assuming normal growing conditions, global NR production is forecast to rise by 5.6% in 2011 and 8.2% in 2012.

IRSG publishes comprehensive data on production, consumption, trade and prices – covering both NR and SR – on a biannual basis. The World Rubber Industry Outlook presents the latest long-term forecasts for the next 10 years, covering the world economy as well as the vehicle, tire and rubber sectors.

For more information, visit www.rubberstudy.com.

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