Evolution of the worldwide consumption of natural rubber

The consumption of natural rubber is linked to the development of the automotive industry and especially tires. This consumption is driven by growth in the emerging markets which include China and India.

Despite the slowing down of China and developing countries growth these past years, the total demand has however increased by an average of 4,6% per year from 2016 to 2018. It is however stable in 2019.

The offer had regularly risen until 2016 due to important plantings favored by top of cycle phase from 2005 to 2012. These plantings are now stabilized, but the rubber immaturity period of 7 years creates an inertia in the adaptation of supply to demand. However, production is stationary since 2017 and supply and demand are now balanced.

Distribution of the global consumption of natural rubber

China's share in natural rubber global consumption increased from 25% in 2005 to 42% in 2018.