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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Portronics has launched a compact portable tyre inflator named the Vayu Nano, designed specifically to address the space constraints faced by bicycle and motorcycle commuters. Weighing just 185 grammes, the device easily fits into a jacket pocket, small bag or scooter storage compartment. Its matte-black finish and short 7.5-centimetre air hose make it suitable for two-wheelers and minor pressure top-ups rather than inflating car tyres from scratch.

The Vayu Nano delivers up to 120 PSI, sufficient for motorcycles requiring around 45 PSI, bicycles needing approximately 35 PSI and standard sports balls. It can fill a tyre from zero to 35 PSI in under five minutes. A digital display shows pressure in PSI or BAR alongside a battery indicator, while preset modes for various inflatables and a manual custom setting are included. An auto shut-off function stops the device once the target pressure is reached to prevent over-inflation.

Power comes from a dual 600 mAh battery setup with USB-C charging, allowing use with existing phone chargers or power banks. A built-in LED light features an SOS mode for low-light conditions. Priced at INR 4,999, the Vayu Nano is available at a launch price of INR 2,999. It comes with a 12-month warranty and can be purchased through the company’s website or at ecommerce websites and standard offline stores.

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Hankook Tire has secured the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for its Jiaxing Plant in Zhejiang Province, China. This globally recognised voluntary certification verifies the sustainability of bio-based and recycled materials while ensuring full supply chain transparency. The certification imposes strict verification standards across every stage, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to the final product output.

The Jiaxing facility’s achievement marks the company’s fourth ISCC PLUS certification. Hankook first earned the distinction for its Geumsan Plant in 2021, becoming the first in the tyre industry to do so. The Rácalmás Plant in Hungary followed in 2023, and the Daejeon Plant received certification in 2025. With this latest addition in China, Hankook has significantly expanded its sustainable manufacturing network across both Asia and Europe.

The Jiaxing Plant has enhanced its production capabilities by increasing the use of sustainable materials and optimising processes. It has established a stable system for products incorporating bio-based and recycled inputs, operating a quality management system based on the mass balance approach. Under its circular economy strategy named E.Circle, Hankook continues to raise the share of sustainable materials. For example, the iON evo tyre, supplied as original equipment for the Porsche Taycan, contains around 45 percent sustainable materials, while the iON GT for the European replacement market has raised that share to up to approximately 77 percent.

Hankook is also applying sustainable materials to tyres used in the FIA World Rally Championship and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, reinforcing its technology leadership in global motorsports. Through open innovation with global partners, the company is advancing low-carbon raw materials. Its sustainability efforts have earned it inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World and the highest EcoVadis rating. Looking ahead, Hankook plans to transform the Jiaxing Plant into a key sustainable manufacturing hub in China while continuously upgrading production systems across its global facilities to strengthen supply chain sustainability and ESG competitiveness.

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Giti Tire has marked 26 consecutive years of global motorsport involvement, using high‑pressure racing environments as a live testing ground for engineering innovation and tyre durability. The company’s long‑term commitment spans professional circuits and extreme off‑road terrain, driven by the principle that true performance depends on control, confidence and stability rather than power alone.

Strength combined with intelligence defines the Giti brand, symbolised by the elephant. On the racetrack, this philosophy translates into continuous refinement of tyre performance through every corner and every surface challenge, turning competition into a real‑world technology laboratory.

Over the past 26 years, Giti has competed in a wide range of international disciplines. Since 2009, the company has been a regular participant in the Giti 4x4 Extreme Series, where gruelling off‑road conditions push endurance and durability to their limits. These experiences have directly advanced all‑terrain and SUV tyre technologies.

For the past decade, Giti has also taken part in the legendary Nürburgring endurance races in Germany, one of the world’s most punishing circuits. Insights gained there have improved high‑speed stability, heat management, grip and wet‑weather handling. Giti’s presence extends across Asia and Europe through partnerships with professional racing teams and technical specialists.

Motorsport serves Giti as a catalyst for safer and smarter consumer tyres. Every challenge from desert heat to ice, gravel and rugged terrain accelerates research into durability and high‑speed performance. Technologies proven in racing are later adapted for everyday drivers, reinforcing the company’s focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Giti remains committed to investing in engineering and global racing partnerships as automotive electrification and mobility needs evolve. To commemorate the 26‑year milestone, the company has released a special video highlighting key moments and technological achievements, underscoring that its motorsport journey is not simply about winning races but about pushing boundaries with resilience and precision. Click here  to watch the video.

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Kumho Tire USA has formalised a new long-term partnership with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to serve approximately 680,000 veterans and their families across the state, uniting private industry, state government and a nonprofit organisation under a shared commitment to supporting those who have served in the military.

Under the newly established collaboration, Kumho Tire USA and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation will work together to identify and deliver programmes designed to create meaningful impact for Georgia’s veteran community. While specific initiatives have yet to be announced, they will be revealed as the partnership continues to develop. The alliance reflects a sustained, active approach to veteran support rather than one-time gestures.

The partnership first drew public attention earlier this year during Kumho Tire Night at State Farm Arena, where Georgia Veterans Service Foundation representatives were honoured as Co-Captains before an Atlanta Hawks game against the Boston Celtics. That moment, occurring ahead of the NBA matchup, symbolised the mutual respect and recognition now codified in the formal agreement.

Edmund Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, Inc, said, "At Kumho Tire USA, we believe that doing business in America means giving back to America. We are honoured to stand alongside the GVSF in this commitment, and we look forward to building something lasting together for Georgia's veterans."

Dr Patricia Ross, Ed.D. (Col, USAF Ret.), Commissioner, Georgia Department of Veterans Service, said, "Georgia's veterans have earned our unwavering support, and partnerships like this one are exactly how we deliver on that promise. We are proud to welcome Kumho Tire USA as a committed partner alongside GVSF, and we look forward to the meaningful work ahead for the veterans and families we serve across this state."

Joe Higgins, Board Chair, Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, said, "The Georgia Veterans Service Foundation exists to connect Georgia's veteran community with the resources and support they deserve, and that work is always stronger when the private sector steps forward as a true partner. We are grateful for Kumho Tire USA's commitment and excited about what this three-way collaboration will make possible."

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