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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Pirelli prepares to take centre stage at its home race, the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2026, which marks the 77th edition of the historic event. The upcoming weekend at the Monza circuit is highly anticipated, driven by the fervent passion of the Italian tifosi and the venue’s deep-rooted legacy within motorsport. As the title sponsor, the Italian tyre manufacturer is set to celebrate its longstanding relationship with the Temple of Speed through a series of artistic and ceremonial initiatives.

The company’s bond with Monza transcends mere geographical proximity between its headquarters and the autodrome, being historically cemented by numerous victories on Pirelli rubber. A landmark triumph occurred on the circuit’s opening day in September 1922, when Pietro Bordino won the Grand Prix driving a Fiat 804. This year’s race will be commemorated with a unique trophy designed by the Italian artistic duo vedovamazzei, which will be presented to the top three finishers on Sunday, alongside special edition podium caps.

The trophy, named FRAGILE, is conceived as a layered composition of everyday household objects such as cups and bowls, stacked into a visually unsteady vertical form. The artists, Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, drew inspiration from the ancient tradition of passing a communal drinking vessel to foster a sense of shared festivity. Their creation symbolises a victory that is held by an individual yet reflects the spirit of the broader community, including the team and fans, while also acknowledging the ephemeral nature of success.

The artistic process involved a blend of traditional sketching and advanced three-dimensional printing using nylon powder, which was subsequently painted and polished to a reflective finish. This commission is part of an ongoing annual project by Pirelli in collaboration with the Pirelli HangarBicocca Museum, now in its sixth edition. Previous artists who have contributed to this project include Alice Ronchi, Patrick Tuttofuoco, Ruth Beraha, Andrea Sala and Nico Vascellari.

Complementing the trophy, Pirelli Design has produced a special podium cap for the Monza weekend, featuring the iconic Azzurro blue of Italian sport. The cap, designed by Denis Dekovic, is adorned with gold embroidery and laurel wreaths, with the word Monza on the visor and an Italia 2026 emblem on the side. This exclusive merchandise is available for purchase online, adding a commemorative element for fans.

From a sporting perspective, the three softest tyre compounds will be available, with strategic simulations suggesting that a one-stop race is probable despite the availability of overtaking opportunities. The 5.793-kilometre circuit, characterised by long straights and low-downforce set-ups, will challenge drivers with energy management and rear axle traction, especially at the First Chicane and Ascari. While braking stability is crucial, the recently resurfaced track and new kerb modifications at specific turns will influence performance. Historical records highlight that Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the most victories, Ferrari leads the constructors' tally and Pierre Gasly secured a memorable maiden win here in 2020.

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Tyres Europe has released three summary reports detailing the findings of comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment studies focused on representative European tyre categories, including passenger-car, truck and bus, as well as retreaded and regrooved variants. The publications mark a significant effort to evaluate the environmental footprint of these products across their entire lifespan.

The assessments, executed by Sphera, utilised average industry data from multiple European manufacturers. The research framework examined environmental impacts spanning raw material extraction, production, logistics, usage and end-of-life disposal. Adherence to stringent international protocols, including ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, ensured methodological consistency, with an independent peer review further validating the conclusions.

For both passenger-car and truck tyre models, the operational phase emerged as the dominant factor in most impact categories, primarily due to fuel consumption linked to rolling resistance. Raw material processing constituted the second-largest burden. A notable finding revealed that a high-performance truck tyre exhibited an 8 to 27 percent reduction in environmental impacts relative to a medium-to-low-performance counterpart, attributed to superior rolling resistance and enhanced tread life.

The retreading analysis stressed that circularity must be balanced with use-phase efficiency, with findings based on scenario-driven break-even analyses due to limited measured data. The reports assert that tyre sustainability cannot be judged by a single metric, advocating a holistic view of materials, manufacturing, mileage, and rolling resistance. These insights aim to inform policy frameworks, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and EU climate legislation.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) was among 16 industrial organisations recognised for climate action during a recent Bangkok seminar. The event, held on 18 August 2026 at the Thailand Institute of Justice, marked the conclusion of the ‘Project to Promote Greenhouse Gas Emission Target Setting for the Industrial Sector towards Net Zero using the Science Based Target Approach (Phase 3)’, organised by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization and Thammasat University's Center of Excellence in Energy Efficiency.

STA participated in developing a Net Zero Pathway aligned with updated certification criteria. The sustainability team shared insights on embedding Net Zero objectives into operations, highlighting management and employee roles in advancing the environmental agenda. A formal certificate was presented to Dr Saranthinee Mongkolratthe, the company's Sustainability Division Manager.

STA targets a 23 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2024 baseline, aiming for Net Zero by 2050. Initiatives include energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption and emission reduction plans across factory and group levels. Digital technology and artificial intelligence are deployed for carbon management, enabling performance monitoring and data analysis to support long-term decisions.

STA is also developing low-carbon natural rubber throughout its supply chain to meet global demand for sustainable products. The company's project involvement and recognition demonstrate its commitment to translating targets into action, positioning the business for low-carbon growth while contributing to Thailand's national sustainability objectives.

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Titan International is set to deliver a comprehensive experience for attendees at the 2026 Farm Progress Show, running from 1 to 3 September 2026. At Booth #24S, the company will showcase its extensive portfolio of off-highway tyres and tracks, offer exclusive savings opportunities and provide interactive tools designed to help farmers evaluate the financial benefits of its Low Sidewall Technology. The booth will also serve as a hub for meeting prominent agricultural personalities and supporting future farming leaders through a charitable initiative.

Visitors to the Titan booth can take advantage of a promotional offer providing USD 200 off a qualifying tyre purchase of USD 1,000 or more. Company representatives will be on-site to discuss eligible brands and products and to assist with the redemption process. Additionally, farmers are invited to use the interactive LSW Payback Calculator to assess the potential return on investment for their specific operations. Titan notes that in most scenarios, these tyres can pay for themselves in less than 18 months.

The booth will feature appearances by well-known figures from the agricultural and racing worlds. NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain is scheduled to appear on Wednesday from 9 am to 12 pm, offering attendees a chance to see his racecar and discuss his farm's use of Titan and Goodyear tyres. Throughout the show, social media personalities will also be present, including the Welker Family and Cole the Cornstar, who will showcase their equipment and discuss their experiences with Titan products.

A highlight of the show will be the first-ever Farm Progress After Hours event on 2 September. Hosted in partnership with Van Wall Equipment and John Deere at Booth #24S, the evening will feature a concert by Iowa country artist Jason Brown and a pyrotechnic drone light show. The event is included with show admission and will commence after the exhibition booths close for the day.

Titan is reinforcing its commitment to rural communities through a tyre raffle benefiting Iowa FFA chapters. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets from FFA students at the booth for a chance to win a set of four tyres, with winners able to choose from Carlstar, Titan or ITP branded products. Proceeds from the raffle will be distributed to participating Iowa FFA chapters, supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

As a one-stop shop for off-highway wheel and tyre solutions, Titan will display products from its family of brands, including Goodyear Farm Tires, Carlstar and ITP. With over 40 product lines and 100 tyres on display, the booth aims to provide solutions for various equipment needs.

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