SINGAPORE (July 7, 2011) — Global rubber consumption reached 24.6 million metric tons in 2010, a 15.3-percent increase over 2008, according to the latest Rubber Statistical Bulletin and Rubber Industry Report available from the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG).
The rise in consumption reflects a strong recovery in demand for vehicles and tires, the IRSG said in a press release. To meet demand, synthetic rubber (SR) production rose 14.1 percent between 2009 and 2010, whereas natural rubber (NR) production increased 7.2 percent.
The IRSG forecast global rubber demand of 25.7 million metric tons in 2011 and 27.6 million in 2012. Worldwide SR demand will group 5 percent in 2011 and 9 percent in 2012, while NR demand will grow 3.8 percent in 2011 and 5.4 percent in 2012, the group said.
Assuming normal growing conditions and continued high prices, NR production should rise 5.6 percent in 2011 and 8.2 percent in 2012, it said.
The Rubber Statistical Bulletin and Rubber Industry Report is given free of charge to IRSG members and is available for purchase by non-members. To order single copies or annual subscriptions, visit the IRSG website.