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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

In a significant move to bolster its international profile, Linglong Tire has entered a global partnership with Chicago Bulls, the iconic NBA team. This alliance represents a strategic advancement in the company's global sports marketing, building upon previous high-profile sponsorships with Chelsea FC and Real Madrid. The primary objective is to substantially enhance brand recognition for its product lines, including Green Max, Atlas and Evoluxx, across the crucial North American market, with promotional activities also extending into Europe.

This marketing initiative is strategically aligned with the company's operational expansion, notably a new manufacturing facility under construction in Brazil, which is expected to optimise supply chains and support a drive for increased market share in the Americas. The collaboration has been designed to create meaningful fan engagement through co-developed activation strategies. These will include immersive experiences such as joint basketball camps and interactive tours, aiming to forge a powerful connection with a global community passionate about basketball and high-quality, innovative tyres.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has confirmed a continued partnership that will see its US subsidiary, Yokohama Tire Corporation, provide ADVAN racing tyres for three Porsche one-make racing series in 2026. This multi-series agreement includes the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama, the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama and the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America. All three are sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC) and function as key developmental categories within the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, featuring race-prepared vehicles such as the 911 GT3 Cup and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

The upcoming 2026 season represents a significant milestone, marking the sixth consecutive year Yokohama has been the control tyre supplier for the North America and USA West series and the third straight year for the Endurance Challenge. The company will support the competitors with its ADVAN A005 for dry tracks and the ADVAN A006 for wet weather conditions across a combined schedule of numerous events. This ongoing involvement is a strategic initiative designed to bolster the profile and recognition of the ADVAN brand throughout the important North American market.

This commitment to one-make racing extends beyond the Porsche family. Yokohama Rubber is also the official control tyre supplier for the recently launched Mustang Cup, reinforcing its active role and investment in North American motorsport. Through these high-profile partnerships, Yokohama aims to enhance brand power by associating its ADVAN products with some of the most exciting and competitive racing series on the continent.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has demonstrated its role as a key partner for sustainable fleet management through its collaboration with Italian transport company Adami Trasporti. Since 2023, Continental has supplied its Conti Hybrid series tyres – Conti Hybrid HS5, Conti Hybrid HD5 and Conti Hybrid HT3 – to Adami's fleet, leading to significant reductions in the company's total operating costs and a marked improvement in its environmental performance. This partnership underscores how strategic tyre selection is central to modern logistics.

For Adami Trasporti, a family-owned business specialising in food transport for over four generations, operational integrity is paramount. The company operates a fleet of 200 modern tanks and tank containers for sensitive liquid goods like fruit juice, wine and cooking oil, requiring adherence to the highest hygiene standards and strict EU environmental regulations. To meet these demands, the Verona-based firm, with additional locations in Italy, Slovakia and Germany, invests heavily in technological innovations, from real-time data monitoring to modern vehicles designed for minimal emissions.

Within this comprehensive sustainability strategy, the choice of tyres has proven to be a critical factor. While tyres themselves account for a small fraction of direct operating costs, their influence on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can affect up to 31 percent of a fleet's total costs. Continental is actively informing the logistics industry that a shift in focus from mere tyre mileage to rolling resistance is essential. Tyres with optimised rolling resistance, such as the Conti Hybrid models, serve as a direct lever for saving fuel, lowering costs and reducing a fleet's carbon footprint.

This aligns perfectly with Adami Trasporti’s concrete goals for greater sustainability. The company complements its use of Continental’s tyres with other forward-thinking initiatives, most notably the integration of LNG-powered vehicles that cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 percent. Through this multi-pronged approach, in which Continental’s tyre technology plays a fundamental role, Adami Trasporti positions itself as an industry pioneer. Together, the companies are actively contributing to lower CO2 emissions across the European transport sector.

Stefano Adami, owner at Adami Trasporti, said, “With the rolling resistance-optimised tyres, we are reducing our CO2 emissions, saving fuel and benefiting from high mileage at the same time. The fuel savings of one and a half to two percent are crucial for us, as consumption has a direct impact on our operating costs. The service and support offerings increase operational reliability of our vehicles and enable us to offer consistent and punctual services throughout Europe.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Metso has introduced its largest split geared ring model, the SCDH4500, a significant innovation designed to transform thickener maintenance in the mining sector. This new model directly confronts the difficulties of traditional full slew bearing replacements through its advanced two-piece split design.

By enabling installation to be completed up to 50 percent faster and minimising the extent of system disassembly required, the solution substantially reduces operational downtime. Furthermore, it enhances worksite safety by removing the necessity for large cranes and the associated risks of suspended loads. The resulting benefits for customers include considerable cost savings from lower labour and equipment hire expenses, as well as a reduction in lost production.

This product launch is a key component of Metso's wider strategy to enhance its thickener portfolio and bolster its aftermarket services. The SCDH4500 is engineered for seamless integration with existing SCD drive geometries, ensuring compatibility and dependable performance in even the most demanding applications. The company’s comprehensive thickening and clarifying portfolio is built on advanced engineering and a focus on sustainable outcomes, which support improved water recovery, lower chemical usage and safer operations.

Andrew McIntosh, Product Director, Thickening Services, Metso, said, “The innovative two-piece split design allows faster installation without requiring extensive system disassembly. This not only minimises operational disruptions but also enhances safety by eliminating the need for large cranes and suspended loads. Additionally, the SCDH4500 seamlessly integrates with existing SCD drive geometries, ensuring reliability in high-torque applications.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!