The downward revision in the world supply outlook for 2020 is largely due to the scaling down of the outlook for Thailand and India, according to ANRPC. The outlook on the production of NR in Thailand has been scaled down by 332,000 tonnes to 4.478 million tonnes. The country’s revised outlook for 2020 represents a 7.7% decline from the previous year as against a 0.9% anticipated fall reported a month ago.

The harvesting and primary processing of rubber in Thailand are severely affected by acute shortage of labourers. The migrant labourers from neighbouring countries and those from other provinces within the country find it difficult to reach back and resume the various farm management activities including tapping and primary processing. Aggravating the situation, tropical storm ‘Noul’ damaged rubber plantations in several provinces of Thailand in the last week of September besides causing heavy rains, flash floods, and water run-offs.

In August, northern Thailand was hit by the tropical storm ‘Sinlaku’ causing flash floods in 18 northern provinces of the country. The loss in output arising from previous year’s incidence of a new fungal leaf disease is already factored in. Abnormal leaf fall resulting from fungal diseases usually impacts on the yield performance of the affected for two succeeding years.

In India, the production anticipated in 2020 has been scaled down by 42,000 tonnes to 668,000 tonnes, ANRPC study said. The revised outlook represents a 4.8% decline from the previous year as against a 1.1% anticipated increase reported a month ago. The country’s NR production sector is impacted by a burst in the number daily new cases of Covid-19 infections in the State of Kerala since the beginning of September and the abnormal leaf fall caused by the outbreak of Phytophthora leaf disease during July and August. It is reported that the incidence of abnormal leaf fall during this year is less severe compared to the previous year.

Demand fall

There has also been a fall in world consumption of NR by 11.7% y/y to 8.151 million tonnes during the first eight months of 2020 (Jan-Aug), as per preliminary estimates. Based on the revised estimates and forecasts, the world consumption outlook for the full year 2020 is marginally scaled up by 67,000 tonnes to 12.611 million tonnes by representing an 8.4% fall from the previous year. The outlook for 2020 as reported a month ago was 12.544 million tonnes by representing an 8.9% fall from the previous year.

China has marginally revised up its consumption outlook for 2020 in view of an observed earlier-than expected economic recovery and acceleration in growth. A survey conducted by Nikkei revealed that the growth has been more pronounced in the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.5 in September from 51.0 recorded in August and 51.3 anticipated for September, according to a survey conducted by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. The country’s automobile sector has made a major turnaround. The domestic retail sales of passenger vehicles, including minivans, SUVs and multipurpose vehicles, increased 7.4% y/y in September 2020, the third straight monthly gain. The domestic sales of passenger vehicles had increased 6.0% y/y in August 2020.

As per the revised outlook, China is anticipated to consume 5.055 million tonnes of NR during 2020, down 8.9% from the previous year. The country’s consumption outlook for 2020, as reported a month ago was 5.043 million tonnes, down 9.1% from the previous year.

India has scaled-up its consumption outlook for 2020 to 923,000 tonnes from 900,000 tonnes reported earlier in the year. Auto sales in India have made a U-turn. The domestic sales of passenger car increased 31.3% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 27 months. The trend reversal in passenger car is driven by preference for personal mobility during the pandemic, gradual opening up of markets, easing of supply-chains, labour availability, and excitement of new vehicle launches. The domestic sales of two-wheeler grew 12% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 21 months. Sales of tractor increased 16% y/y during the month, the highest growth over many years in the past.  The domestic sales of LVC (Light Commercial Vehicles) and M&HCV (Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles) declined by 3.0% each during the month, after double digit declines till August 2020.

Looking ahead, according to ANRPC, the world demand for NR will remain constrained by the uncertainties clouding the global economic recovery, acceleration in the number of new coronavirus cases, reintroduction of control measures and partial lockdowns across countries and a likely long delay in the mass availability of the vaccine. On the positive side, there are increased hopes of further fiscal aid in the US to keep its economy on track. The White House has reportedly raised its stimulus offer from the earlier proposed $1.0 trillion to $1.5 trillion, and further to $1.8 trillion, though that is still short of $2.2 trillion proposed by the Democrats.

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Apollo Tyres has introduced a new series of truck and bus bias (TBB) tyres, marking a significant expansion of its commercial vehicle portfolio. This launch centres on three distinct models within the popular 10.00-20 size category, each engineered to address specific operational needs while contributing to a lower total cost of ownership for fleet operators. The development process involved rigorous collaboration between global research and plant teams, ensuring the tyres deliver enhanced durability, reliability and extended mileage through advanced technological features.

The new range includes the XT 1^x and XT 2^x, both designed as drive pattern tyres. The XT 1^x focuses on profitability through a robust lug design that resists cuts and chips, along with a durable carcass structure. For operations demanding extra strength, the XT 2^x incorporates an extra-deep tread and a reinforced casing to improve load capacity and longevity. Complementing these is the XR 1^x, a steer pattern tyre built for an extended service life. It utilises a specialised tread matrix to minimise wear and incorporates design elements for improved heat dissipation and overall durability.

Collectively, these tyres are engineered to maximise vehicle uptime and operational efficiency. The drive patterns are constructed to provide superior traction across diverse conditions, while the steer pattern prioritises stability, even wear and responsive handling. This balanced approach offers a comprehensive solution for transport businesses. Through this strategic product introduction, Apollo Tyres reaffirms its dedication to innovation and developing solutions that support more efficient, profitable and dependable mobility for its customers.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial (India, SAARC and Southeast Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This new TBB tyre range is a strong step forward in our journey to deliver superior performance and value. By combining advanced design, robust construction and application-focused patterns, we aim to help our customers achieve lower operating costs while meeting the demands of newer and growing vehicle segments.”

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Goodyear and TIP Group, a prominent European equipment solutions provider, have renewed their longstanding partnership for another five-year term. This extension coincides with a significant milestone, celebrating two decades of joint efforts supporting fleet operations across the continent. Throughout this period, Goodyear has provided TIP's fleets with tailored, high-performance commercial tyre solutions designed to meet specific operational demands.

A central pillar of the renewed alliance is a shared commitment to sustainability. By integrating Goodyear's latest product innovations, such as the KMAX GEN-3 range, TIP can now offer its customers truck tyres constructed with a minimum of 40 percent sustainable materials. These products are engineered to deliver the expected durability while also featuring B-label rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency. Further supporting sustainable operations, Goodyear’s retreading services aid TIP in prolonging tyre life cycles, which helps reduce waste, conserve resources and manage operational expenses.

Complementing the supply of tyres, TIP’s clients gain access to extensive service support through Goodyear’s expansive TruckForce Network of over 2,000 locations. This network is critical for minimising vehicle downtime, optimising tyre performance and ensuring fleet reliability. These combined efforts actively contribute to TIP Group’s broader environmental, social and governance objectives, enabling more sustainable fleet management without sacrificing efficiency or customer value.

Concurrently, TIP continues to advance its own modernisation initiatives, investing in sustainable fleet solutions, advanced telematics and refurbishment capabilities. These investments help customers extend asset lifecycles, improve regulatory compliance and lessen their environmental impact. The enduring partnership with Goodyear thus serves as a key component in TIP’s comprehensive strategy to navigate evolving market and regulatory landscapes.

Piotr Czyżyk, Vice President – Commercial Sales EMEA, Goodyear, said, “This partnership is built on trust, long-term thinking and a deep understanding of the transport fleet market. For 20 years, we have worked closely with TIP Group to deliver reliable products, innovative fleet solutions and retreading services that help keep their customers moving. Extending our agreement for another five years reflects our shared commitment to performance, efficiency and sustainability – and to continuously evolving together as market expectations change.”

Paul Beadle, COO, TIP Group, said, “Our collaboration with Goodyear is a strong example of how strategic partnerships can create real value for fleet operators. Managing more than 90,000 trucks, trailers and specialised assets across Europe means reliability is critical, which is why we value long-term partners like Goodyear. By combining high-performance tyres and mobility solutions with our operational experience, we deliver more efficient and more sustainable fleet solutions and ultimately more value for our customers.”

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Maxam Tyre Europe will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of agricultural tyres at Fieragricola 2026 in Verona from 4–7 February. Under the banner ‘More Pull. Less Fuel’, the company's participation highlights a core commitment to efficiency and enhanced productivity through smart tyre performance. Exhibiting in Hall 6, Stand D4, the Sailun Group subsidiary will feature a curated selection from its diverse range.

Among the products on display will be the MAXAM AgriXtra XL VF tyre, a model recognised by the German Agricultural Society, the DLG, for its contributions to soil preservation, improved traction and reduced fuel consumption. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the Maxam brand and its innovative solutions. This focus on sustainable technology aims to demonstrate how advanced tyre engineering can significantly improve operational efficiency and support modern, responsible farming practices.

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Prinx Chengshan has successfully rolled off its first off-the-road giant tyre, model 30.00R51, a milestone celebrated by company leaders and Rongcheng Mayor Liu Jinjun. This achievement marks a crucial step in the construction of the firm's new green and intelligent off-road tyre factory and represents significant progress in enhancing its high-end product portfolio, effectively addressing a gap in the domestic market for premium off-road tyres.

The newly produced tyre, with an outer diameter of nearly three metres and a weight of 1.8 tonnes, is engineered for massive dump trucks operating in open-pit mines, capable of carrying loads over 120 tonnes. Its design features a wide, deep tread pattern for superior traction and a specialised shoulder cooling system that promotes heat dissipation. This innovation enhances safety by reducing risks such as blowouts while also improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in demanding mining environments.

This strategic development responds to steadily rising global demand for high-end off-road tyres, fuelled by growing infrastructure investment and mining industry modernisation. The company's significant investment of over CNY 1.1 billion (approximately USD 158 million) in its new production base, initiated in 2025, underscores this focus. The facility, covering more than 100,000 square metres, is planned to have an annual capacity of 84,000 engineering tyres and 10,000 giant tyres for diverse applications across mining, construction and industrial sectors.

From its inception, the project has been guided by principles of high-end intelligence and green environmental protection. It incorporates modern workshops, smart manufacturing processes and sustainable initiatives like rooftop solar power generation to ensure energy-efficient development, reflecting a firm commitment to circular economy practices and Industry 4.0 standards.

Moving forward, Prinx Chengshan will leverage its global network of research and development centres to continue advancing independent innovation. By fully implementing a ‘Product + Service’ model, the company is committed to its in-depth transformation towards high-end, intelligent and green manufacturing. This direction aims to provide efficient and reliable solutions for global mining progress, injecting robust momentum from ‘China Smart Manufacturing’ into the industry's future.

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