SINGAPORE (July 7, 2011)—Global rubber consumption should rise about 4.5 percent this year and another 7.3 percent in 2012, according to the International Rubber Study Group.
Demand reached 24.6 million metric tons in 2010, the group said in its Rubber Statistical Bulletin and Rubber Industry Report, reflecting a strong recovery in demand for vehicles and tires. Total demand should hit 25.7 million tons in 2011 and 27.6 million tons in 2012.
Worldwide SR demand will grow 5 percent in 2011 and 9 percent in 2012, while NR consumption will rise 3.8 percent in 2011 and 5.4 percent in 2012, the organization 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 IRSG said synthetic rubber production rose 14.1 percent between 2009 and 2010, and NR output jumped 7.2 percent.