Natural rubber production will increase 5.1 percent in 2015, to 11.175 million metric tons from 2014’s 10.632 million, according to the latest figures from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries.

The January 2015 issue of the ANPRC’s newsletter, Natural Rubber Trends & Statistics, had “The Year of Optimism” as its subtitle. (Published Feb. 6, the January 2015 issue was the latest the ANRPC issued.)

In her preface to the January issue, ANRPC Secretary-General Sheela Thomas said 2014 was a difficult year for many in the NR industry, but 2015 looked more promising.

Several ANRPC members have taken short-term measures to help NR growers and ensure stability of NR supply in the long run, according to Thomas. Also, current global indicators are hopeful in terms of reaching equilibrium in NR supply and demand, she said.

“Though there is a drop in aggregate production as reported, we can be sure that production of Hevea rubber will remain steady and sustainable,” she said.

The final production figure for 2014 is a downward revision caused by five ANRPC member nations—Malaysia, Indian, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Cambodia—revising their 2014 NR production figures downward, according to the report.

“While export growth will be affected by lower commodity prices, the performance of exports is expected to improve by about 1.0 percent this year,” the report said.

“Demand from China, India and the U.S. will remain as the key driver of growth,” it said. “The prospects are therefore for the NR economy to remain on a positive growth path.”

Source: rubbernews.com