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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Cooper Tires is broadening its winter portfolio across passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles in the EMEA region. The expansion leverages over a century of expertise to deliver dependable performance for real-world winter conditions. The move underscores ongoing regional investment and aligns with a new global identity centred on toughness and practical tyre solutions.

The enhanced lineup achieves 92 percent market coverage across EMEA. Engineered for icy roads, snow and fluctuating temperatures, the portfolio maintains driver control and consistent performance in severe conditions.

The range includes Cooper Winter for passenger cars and SUVs, and Cooper Winter Van for commercial vehicles. The passenger tyre uses a high-silica compound with oil and resin technology for wet and snow traction, while dense siping enhances braking and handling. Optimised casing design improves efficiency, and the 132 SKUs cover 14- to 21-inch rims, all EV-ready.

The van tyre prioritises durability, mileage and control with V-shaped grooves for wet handling, an interlocking groove network for snow traction and a tread strengthener for extended life. Twenty SKUs cover 14 to 17 inches and are EV-ready. Further portfolio expansion is planned from 2027, reinforcing Cooper's position as a trusted winter driving partner.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA, said, “The expanded winter portfolio forms part of Cooper’s broader investment in the brand, following the unveiling of a bold new global brand identity rooted in toughness, confidence and real‑world capability. This is supported by renewed product investment, dedicated customer activation programmes and marketing activity designed to build awareness and consideration across Europe.”

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has expanded its premier Geomax motocross lineup with the debut of the Geomax MX54, a new intermediate-hard tyre engineered to surpass its predecessor in both versatility and performance. The latest offering broadens the applicable terrain spectrum while delivering a more sophisticated performance package aimed at riders across the skill spectrum, from weekend amateurs to seasoned professionals.

Positioned as the direct successor to the Geomax MX53, this new tyre effectively closes the gap left by the discontinued hard-terrain Geomax MX71 and the soft-medium Geomax MX34. This strategic integration streamlines the broader Geomax family, which retains the popular MX14 sand and mud tyre, resulting in a more cohesive and user-friendly range for off-road enthusiasts. The technological refinements ensure the MX54 provides outstanding grip and durability, hallmarks of a tyre trusted in elite competitions like the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Extensive on-track development with top motocross athletes has already proven the MX54’s capabilities in demanding championships, ensuring that race-proven technology filters down to everyday riders. The tyre features comprehensive updates to both front and rear profiles. The front incorporates a redesigned block layout and enlarged block sizes to boost rigidity and grip on softer ground, while the rear utilises a reduced number of blocks with greater spacing between rows to enhance traction and deliver predictable handling across a wider array of conditions, drawing inspiration from the Geomax MX34 for improved ground contact feedback.

The Geomax MX54 continues Dunlop’s winning legacy, building on a record-breaking 2025 season that saw Romain Febvre claim the World Championship and adding multiple MX2 Grand Prix victories so far this year. Now available for purchase, the tyre comes in a comprehensive range of 17 sizes, accommodating front wheels from 10 to 21 inches and rear fitments spanning 10 to 19 inches.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “The new Dunlop Geomax MX54 features advancements that allow it to be much more versatile than MX53. We have worked closely with top MXGP teams to deliver improved grip across all terrain for riders of all levels. With the broadened scope of MX54, the Geomax range is our strongest and most versatile motocross range yet, drawing on our innovations from winning in top professional championships.”

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Discount Tire is launching complimentary tyre safety inspections across its network of more than 1,275 US locations in observance of National Tire Safety Week, scheduled from 29 June through 4 July 2026. The initiative comes just ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, aiming to equip motorists with essential vehicle care before summer road trips.

Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 11 cents per gallon and add nearly 5,000 miles to a tire’s usable life. To support safe driving, the company advises monthly pressure checks, particularly before extended journeys, since temperature fluctuations affect PSI levels and can compromise handling or cause irregular wear. A simple penny test – with Lincoln’s head fully visible indicating worn tread – along with rotations every 6,000 miles and verification of the tyre’s age via its DOT sidewall number, are among the key recommendations. Drivers seeking personalised options can utilise the Treadwell tool for tailored selections.

In partnership with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Discount Tire reinforces its year-round educational commitment, offering free tread, pressure and rotation services at both Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores. For those needing replacements, an instant savings promotion of up to USD 80 on select tyres and wheels runs from 30 June to 9 July. Appointments are available for all complimentary checks throughout the year.

Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire, said, "With household budgets under increasing pressure from rising costs, maintaining your tires is a practical way to save money while prioritizing safety,". "Whether families are traveling to a local event or embarking on a road trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, our technicians are committed to helping them prepare for safe, reliable journeys."

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Tegeta Green Planet attended the closing ceremony and teachers' award presentation for the ‘Education for a Green Future’ project, hosted by the Environmental Information and Education Center under Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture as part of World Environment Day observances. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company conferred its own special awards upon three educators during the event.

The project aims to support preschool and primary school teachers who integrate environmental and agricultural educational resources into their teaching, making meaningful contributions to raising ecological awareness among children and young people. Nearly 150 educators participated in this year's competition, presenting diverse, creative and results-oriented environmental education projects.

Tegeta Green Planet has operated since 2022 as one of Georgia's first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations, managing waste streams including used tyres, waste oils and batteries through collection, transportation and recycling in accordance with circular economy principles. The company recognised Ketevan Tskhvariashvili from Kakabeti Public Kindergarten No. 2, Darina Malatsidze from Mikeltskaro Public School and Sopio Gvelesiani from Kutaisi Public School No. 40.

Laptops were awarded to the winning educators as incentives. Supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental education and promote sustainable development values remains a key priority for the company. The long-running ‘Education for a Green Future’ project has consistently integrated environmental topics into schooling, uniting innovative teachers and proving that education serves as a fundamental foundation for environmental progress.

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