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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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has reinforced its commitment to the construction and mining sectors with the launch of four new off-the-road (OTR) tyres at the CII EXCON 2025 trade fair in Bangalore. The products, unveiled by Dr R Mukhopadhyay, Director of R&D, expand the company’s specialised portfolio, focusing on application-specific performance for demanding environments.

A key introduction is the all-new SKY GRIP tyre, designed for Aerial Work Platforms and Boom Lifts. The size 355/55D625 tyre aims to provide enhanced stability and superior traction for equipment operating at elevated heights, ensuring safer mobility for articulated and telescopic boom lifts across diverse terrains in construction and industrial settings.

The launch also includes three critical variants for heavy machinery. For backhoe loaders, the 14.00-25 GTL PLUS promises durability and stability during excavation. The 23.5-25 GTL PLUS variant is engineered for wheel loaders, offering improved traction on demanding surfaces. Addressing the extreme conditions of underground mining, the 14.00-20 VEM AS-UG features a reinforced casing and a specialised compound to withstand abrasive environments and the rigorous duty cycles of shuttle cars.

From pioneering India's largest OTR tyres to developing advanced technologies, JK Tyre continues to strengthen its portfolio, providing reliable and high-performance solutions tailored to support diverse industrial operations.

Srinivasu Allaphan, Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “India is witnessing a transformative phase in infrastructure development, and JK Tyre remains committed to support this journey. With the launch of our new OTR range at EXCON, we are strengthening our support for equipment that powers critical infrastructure, enabling greater productivity, durability and operational safety across the country’s construction, mining and industrial projects.”

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Eurogrip, a premier two- and three-wheeler tyre brand from TVS Srichakra Ltd., is exhibiting its premium portfolio at Automechanika Dubai 2025 from 9–11 December. The brand's presence at this major global aftermarket trade show marks its third participation. Featured products on display at Stand Z5 - H26 in the Dubai World Trade Centre include the new Trailhound range, comprising the Wild, STR and SCR models, and the Protorq Max prototype.

The showcase also highlights Roadhound, Protorq Extreme, Bee City, Bee Sport, Climber XC, Terrabite DB+ and Beamer VS tyres, alongside popular patterns like Badshah, Badshah LX, Jaya LX and Auto 150. This diverse lineup is the result of advanced research, performance-focused design and sophisticated tyre technology.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer, TVS Srichakra Ltd., said, “Automechanika Dubai continues to be a significant platform for us as we continue to strengthen Eurogrip’s global presence. The expo is a great opportunity for us to engage with partners and customers across the globe, particularly the West Asia, Africa and key Gulf countries. We are delighted to be displaying our high-quality performance-oriented tyres.”

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Galaxy, the off-highway tyre brand owned by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires, has introduced two additions to its construction and mining portfolio at Excon 2025 in Bengaluru, underscoring rising competition in India’s heavy-equipment tyre market.

The manufacturer unveiled the LDSR 500, an all-steel radial tyre for wheel loaders and dozers, and the RTSR 300, a model for rigid dump trucks used in mining and large construction sites. The launches reflect growing demand for tyres engineered to withstand higher loads, harsher terrain and longer operating cycles in India’s infrastructure sector.

Galaxy’s LDSR 500 features a non-directional pattern and deep tread intended to improve stability and extend service life. The RTSR 300 is designed for heavy-load haulage across varied surfaces and incorporates an open-shoulder pattern to aid traction and self-cleaning. Both tyres will be available in compounds tailored to specific applications.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer at Yokohama-ATG, said the company aimed to broaden its range of advanced radial and solid tyres for the domestic market. “At Galaxy, we take pride in our customer-centric innovations and are excited to display an array of all-steel radials and large solid tyres that deliver improved wear characteristics and superior & trouble-free performance on tough terrains,” he said. “Our highly automated, state of the art facilities are well-equipped to manufacture customized tyre solutions for the Indian customers and we look forward to serving them.”

Anuj Thakar, Senior Vice-President for India and SAARC at Yokohama-ATG, said India remained a priority region. “India is a key growth market for us and it is a great pleasure to participate in the country’s biggest construction expo,” he said. “Our presence at Excon reflects our commitment to our customers in the region as we continue to provide the best tyre solutions for varied construction needs.”

The Galaxy stand also features several existing products aimed at mining, construction and material-handling fleets. These include the Mine Rock-XT, a nylon-casing tyre for use in both mining and construction; Hulk, a skid-steer tyre engineered for puncture resistance; and the LHD 510 SDS, designed with a deep groove for higher traction and lower heat build-up.

Other models on display include the Giraffe XLW, intended for backhoe loaders; the Yardmaster Radial, used on forklifts; and the LDSR 300 for loaders and articulated dump trucks.

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Goodyear has reversed an earlier plan to divest its farm tyre operations in India, opting instead to retain the business following the conclusion of a strategic review by its US parent company. The decision marks a shift in strategy for the US tyre group, which had been evaluating options for the division amid a broader restructuring programme.

Goodyear India disclosed the development to the Bombay Stock Exchange recetently, noting that the board had “took note of the communication received from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., USA, i.e. the ultimate parent company that it has concluded the previously announced strategic review of its Farm Tire business in India and at this time has made the decision to retain ownership of the business.”

The review, initiated earlier this year, followed a sustained period of mixed performance in India’s agricultural equipment sector, where tyre demand is closely linked to tractor sales and rural income trends.

Retention of the business suggests the company sees continued strategic value in India’s agricultural market, one of the world’s largest for tractor production and a key geography for tyre manufacturers seeking stable demand cycles. The farm tyre segment, although subject to monsoon-driven fluctuations, offers long-term potential due to mechanisation trends and government support for rural development.

Goodyear India remains majority owned by the US group and manufactures a range of tyres for passenger vehicles and agricultural machinery. The company did not outline next steps for the farm division but said the communication from its parent should be taken on record.

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