Global natural rubber production totaled 772,000 tons in April 2026, a 2.6% decrease compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), released last Friday (29). According to the organization, the contraction is attributed to the seasonal winter period, persistently dry conditions in the main producing regions of Southeast Asia and South Asia, and growing concerns about El Niño risks in the second half of 2026. This scenario of lower production caused rubber prices to rise in the fourth month of the year, both in the physical and futures markets. Strong demand from the tire and industrial goods sectors, and the concomitant increase in oil prices, also supported prices. Global consumption of natural rubber reached 1.235 million tons in April of this year, an annual growth of 2.3%. The ANRPC estimates that global natural rubber production will reach 15.322 million tons in 2026, representing a 2.2% increase compared to the previous year, with positive revisions recorded for China and Malaysia. On the demand side, global consumption is expected to grow 1.3% to 15.550 million tons, driven by the continued expansion of electric vehicle production in China, India, and Southeast Asia, the sustained recovery in the rubber goods and medical glove sectors, and an upward revision in consumption in the rest of the world, including the United States. "Looking ahead, the short-term outlook for the natural rubber market remains cautiously constructive, although subject to increased price volatility as global events continue to unfold," states the ANRPC.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.