BEIJING (Sept. 27) — China´s rubber product manufacturing industry is growing at a double-digit pace, according to the latest data from the China Association of Rubber Industry.
The association's 252 members generated sales of $3.7 billion in the first six months of 2004, up 29 percent on over 2003.
Rubber consumption also jumped, with the combined factory demand running at just over 8.9 million metric tons for the six-month period, up 35 percent.
The association said its 42 tire manufacturer members produced 59 million units, 32 million of which were radial. Production of all steel radial truck tires grew 60 percent to 6.71 million units during the period.
In hose and belt, 49 manufacturers made 30 million square meters of rubber belt in the six months, up 43 percent. Hose production was up 27 percent, at 24.4 million meters.