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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Gislotica, a manufacturer of machinery for the tyre industry, has joined APIB as a supplier member, strengthening its links with the rubber sector and expanding its engagement with industry participants.

The company also took part in an APIB panel recently, providing an opportunity to exchange views with professionals and businesses across the sector.

Membership of APIB is intended to help Gislotica build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and other industry partners, while sharing knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Gislotica considers collaboration across the industry essential to driving innovation, developing technological solutions and supporting growth. The company plans to continue developing machinery solutions that address the needs and challenges of its partners.

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Prinx Chengshan marked a significant double milestone this October by hosting the 2026 Prinx Chengshan International Dealer Conference in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Chengshan Group's manufacturing operations. The event drew over 100 international dealer representatives from Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, underscoring the company's determination to strengthen its global footprint, build a premium brand, and pursue shared success through collaboration.

Che Hongzhi, Chairman of Chengshan Group, reflected on how five decades of perseverance have forged a distinctive corporate culture and rich brand heritage rooted in integrity, craftsmanship and mutual success. This foundation, he noted, has enabled steady and sustainable growth in global markets, while the steadfast support of partners has given Prinx Chengshan the confidence to expand worldwide through deeper, higher-quality collaboration.

Jiang Xizhou, President of Prinx Chengshan, analysed the core competitive advantages built over 50 years across products, services and supply chain development. He outlined a strategic shift from price competition toward value competition, translating the company's ‘product plus service’ philosophy into tangible benefits for market partners. Vice President Che Jing added that five decades of weathering challenges alongside partners have yielded both cultural heritage and practical experience, with five key growth engines – including tyres for new energy vehicles and speciality tyres – set to drive further upmarket movement and comprehensive value-chain support for international dealers.

The conference gave partners comprehensive insight into Prinx Chengshan's research and development capabilities, product portfolio and supply chain system. Li Chongbing, Director of the R&D Center, stressed that continuous innovation remains the only path to future growth. Wang Hongdian, Director of the Marketing Center, detailed comprehensive solutions and upcoming plans for passenger, commercial and specialty tyres, while Sun Yaping, Director of the Supply Chain Management Center, used case studies and data to demonstrate resilience in fulfilling orders amid international trade challenges.

Dealer representatives from Brazil, Thailand and Puerto Rico addressed attendees, sharing local market achievements and praising the company's overseas competitiveness while congratulating Chengshan Group on its manufacturing anniversary. International dealers also toured the showroom and six laboratories, including noise testing and static performance facilities, holding in-depth discussions on product upgrades, regional expansion, supply chain coordination and after-sales service improvements that helped remove communication barriers and build consensus.

Looking ahead, Prinx Chengshan intends to collaborate with partners worldwide under an open and inclusive global outlook, building a new ecosystem in which resources are shared, strengths are complementary, risks are jointly managed and benefits are distributed among all stakeholders.

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DUNLOP is set to appear at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, using its exhibition to highlight the brand’s diverse character. Located in pavilion 7.1 at stand D27, the company will occupy 105 square metres with a display combining current tyres, a historic racing vehicle and interactive features. The event runs from 12 to 18 October 2026.

Visitors will be able to view several products from the current portfolio, including the DUNLOP SPORT MAXX RACE 2 in 325/30R21, the DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG in 245/40R18, a winter tyre in 255/45R19 and the DUNLOP ALL SEASON 2 in 225/45R18. Together, these exhibits illustrate the brand’s coverage of different driving needs and showcase some of its best-selling lines.

A special emphasis will also be placed on DUNLOP’s motor-racing heritage. A historic Porsche from 1984 will form part of the stand, bringing a sense of tradition to Paris and helping connect past racing achievements with contemporary technology through the overall exhibition concept.

Beyond tyres, DUNLOP will offer insights into its sporting activities and present tennis, padel and squash rackets. Two driving simulators running Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 will further engage attendees, allowing them to test their skills and compete for best times on DUNLOP tyres.

Laurent Crampette, Sales Manager – France, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “The Paris Motor Show is one of the most important shows for automotive industry in Europe and a great opportunity for DUNLOP to present itself once again. France is an important market for the brand and the show gives us the opportunity to hold talks with visitors and industry partners. With our appearance, we want to show everyone what DUNLOP stands for today: a mix of contemporary tyre solutions, a longstanding motor-racing tradition and close links with the world of sport.”

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has confirmed that its Annual Conference 2026 will take place on 23–24 November 2026 at the Pullman Pattaya Hotel G in Pattaya, Thailand. The gathering will adopt the theme ‘Building a Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Global Natural Rubber Industry’, reflecting the sector’s urgent need to address mounting pressures across the global value chain.

The two-day programme will feature five thematic sessions before a moderated panel discussion. These sessions will cover geopolitics and the Middle East conflict, climate change and its effects on production and productivity, supply-demand dynamics and price volatility, advancing sustainability beyond the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the implications of protectionist policies for trade and consumption. A 40-minute High-Level Roundtable on the Future of the Global Natural Rubber Industry will close the conference, focusing on strategic priorities, collaborative action and practical pathways towards long-term resilience and growth.

The global natural rubber industry stands at a critical juncture, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding and climate-related diseases increasingly pressuring production and productivity. Geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Middle East conflict, rising operating costs, narrowing margins and evolving sustainability requirements are adding further strain across the value chain, said the association.

As a renewable resource, natural rubber supports industrial development and sustainable value chains, yet it faces supply constraints, price volatility, declining productivity, tree diseases, rising costs and stringent ESG requirements. These challenges also present opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, enhance value addition, diversify markets and accelerate sustainable practices. With decarbonisation efforts advancing towards 2030 and regulations such as the EUDR reshaping market access, stakeholders must collaborate to build responsible, inclusive, transparent and viable supply chains. Innovation, investment, and sustainable finance will be vital for smallholders and SMEs, the association further added.

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