Report sees slightly lower growth ahead in rubber demand

CLEVELAND (Nov. 16)—Decelerating motor vehicle production will slow global growth in rubber consumption to about 2.9 percent annually through 2004, according to a new report from industry forecaster Freedonia Group. The company said non-tire rubber demand will outperform tire rubber consumption in this period, as total rubber use will rise to 19.5 million metric tons from the 1999 level of 16.9 million tons. The growth rate will compare to the 3.3 percent average yearly rise in rubber use during the 1994-1999 period, Freedonia said.