Global natural rubber production fell by almost 5% in May, while consumption grew.

Global natural rubber production totaled 997,000 tons in May of this year, a 4.7% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), released this Wednesday (24). According to the association, the contraction reflects the winter period and dry weather in Southeast and South Asia, while Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia have advanced with new export incentives and regulations. The ANRPC projects that global production of the commodity will total 15.337 million tons in 2026, a 2.4% increase compared to 2025, driven by gains in Thailand, China, India, and Malaysia. Indonesia and Vietnam are expected to experience a contraction. Natural rubber consumption reached 1.310 million tons in May, a 4.6% year-on-year increase. China and India led consumption, with 617,000 tons and 118,000 tons respectively, supported by stable demand for tires and electric vehicles, resilient industrial production, and record sales in the automotive retail sector. According to the association, global consumption of the raw material will grow 1.3% this year, to 15.55 million tons.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.