The WRS 2021, organised by IRSG (International Rubber Study Group) together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and co-hosted by the Association des Professionales du Caoutchou Naturelle de Côte d’Ivoire (APROMAC) the Fonds Interprofessionnel pour la Recherche et le Conseil Agricoles (FIRCA), was a prime opportunity for leaders, experts, government representatives and NGOs to discuss the current status of the rubber industry and explore the way forward to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. This year’s WRS featured the very timely theme, ‘Facing the Future: Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Growth for the Next Normal’.

The WRS 2021 was officially opened by HE M. Jerome Patrick Achi, Prime Minister, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, in recognition of the important role that Africa can play as an emerging producer of natural rubber. The event has highlighted that the rubber economy could be a formidable engine for the continent, creating jobs and transforming its economic and social prospects, and providing opportunities for the youth and women – real key drivers of sustainable growth, development and peace. 

The WRS 2021 witnessed 29 eminent speakers from all parts of the world, about 200 participants directly linked to the virtual platform and significant public participation in Côte d’Ivoire, where stakeholders in the rubber sector interacted in person during the event.  

Innovative ideas and approaches emerged during the summit to address the new challenges that can change the global pattern of production and consumption in the rubber sector, market and policy discussions on new approaches in business and life to turn the crisis into an opportunity from the lessons learnt. Discussions around the decarbonisation commitment of governments justifying sustainable and secure supply chains for raw materials were focussed on supply chain collaboration, ensuring that raw material efficiency, performance and traceability are dealt with holistically.

An important debate took place on the impact of climate change on natural rubber systems, which has potential economic, environmental and social risks, identifying a set of policy recommendations that could facilitate the work of all stakeholders in the rubber value chain.

The latest IPCC report , published in August 2021, has highlighted that human activity is changing the climate in an unprecedented and sometimes irreversible way. Actions on the adaptation of natural rubber systems to climate changes are urgently needed and further investigations into the potential contribution of rubber to climate change mitigation.

Work-based on scientific knowledge is the precondition to identifying correct pathways to preserve and support the growth and prosperity of the natural rubber economy worldwide. In this field, IRSG has had a leading role thanks to the support of important R&D organisations such as CIFOR/FTA, IRRDB and CIRAD.

In his closing remarks, Salvatore Pinizzotto, Secretary-General IRSG, has pointed out that the main common point that emerged during the World Rubber Summit is the need to formulate policies and put into place people-centred actions. “If we look at the natural rubber sector alone, it sustains 40 million people with their families around the globe with a supply chain generating more than USD 300 billion. Furthermore, about 90 percent of the total world natural rubber production is sourced by smallholders. 

“To build an inclusive and sustainable rubber community, we need to work at local, national and international level – there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all solution – putting in place innovative forms of cooperation across national borders and a variety of actors – governments, business, academia and civil society. Reduce poverty-establishing mechanisms that could provide  smallholders with an adequate income level, implement an effective technology transfer on the field and support education and training among farmers, especially young people and women. These are some of the policies needed to implement sustainability. Leveraging digital technology in farming and green finance options encouraging climate change adaptation are other key policies to assure emission reduction and social inclusion."

 In closing the World Rubber Summit 2021, the Honourable KobenanKouassiAdjourmani, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, has strongly stated that Africa is completely committed to implementing sustainability practices in the rubber sector, making sure that all the rubber value chain is equitable, profitable and transparent.  

"Sustainability and circular economy are two aspects that we need to keep high on the agenda of all stakeholders in the rubber economy. We need to make sure that both natural and synthetic rubber sectors comply with the adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." (TT)

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Tyres Europe has released its latest quarterly market update, prepared by the independent intelligence firm Astutus Research, which tracks tyre industry trends, mobility patterns and recovery and recycling efforts. The report provides fresh data on import shifts and used tyre generation across the EU27 plus United Kingdom.

Passenger car and light truck tyre imports into the region dropped by nearly 22 percent in January and February of 2026, a sharp reversal from the 26 percent increase seen in the first quarter of 2025. The total volume fell by 5.6 million units, driven largely by an 8.7-million-unit decline in Chinese shipments, which cut China’s market share from 74 to 52 percent. An ongoing European Union anti‑dumping investigation, with the potential for backdated duties, had encouraged heavy pre‑buying of Chinese tyres in 2025, peaking that September before accelerating into 2026. In response, ASEAN‑origin tyres, many from Chinese‑owned factories, tripled their share to 21 percent, led by Thailand and Vietnam, while Cambodia added nearly half a million units from a near‑zero base.

Truck and bus tyre imports from non‑European markets rose 24 percent over the same period. Thailand and Vietnam together increased shipments by 39 percent, lifting their combined share above 63 percent. Meanwhile, China’s position weakened as its volumes stagnated, and India emerged as the fourth largest source with a share exceeding five percent, pushing Egypt to fifth place ahead of Korea.

On sustainability, preliminary estimates from Astutus Research indicate that Europe generated approximately 4.4 million tonnes of used tyres in 2025, a figure essentially unchanged from the previous year. This overall stability hides divergent regional trends, with faster growth in Southern European markets such as Spain, Portugal and Greece, while larger Northern markets including the United Kingdom, Germany and France showed little or no increase. Replacement tyres account for more than 90 percent of used tyre tonnage, with the remainder coming from end‑of‑life vehicles.

Of the 4.4 million tonnes generated, around 0.6 million tonnes were reused as part‑worn tyres or retreaded. The term used tyres refers to all tyres removed from vehicles, while end‑of‑life tyres exclude those reused or retreaded. A decline in retreading has increased the share classified as end‑of‑life tyres, adding to volumes that require recovery or recycling.

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Maxxis’ automotive division has earned the Excellence in Quality and Delivery Award from Honda for 2025. This recognition was presented during a ceremony held on 22 April in Columbus, Ohio, where Honda honoured 37 suppliers out of a total pool of more than 700 mass production parts providers across North America.

Maxxis supplies spare tyres for several Honda and Acura models, including the Honda Accord and Acura Integra assembled at Honda’s Maryville plant, as well as the Honda Civic Si produced at the Honda of Canada facility in Alliston, Ontario. The award highlights Maxxis’ consistent performance in meeting stringent quality standards and delivery schedules, reinforcing the division’s role as a trusted partner within Honda’s North American production network.

Andy Lee, Maxxis International – USA President, said, “On behalf of everyone at Maxxis, I want to thank Honda for this tremendous honour. We’re very pleased to have met their high standards for excellence. All of us at Maxxis are very grateful for this recognition and are equally grateful for our partnership with Honda. I also want to thank our automotive OE division for their hard work and dedication, which made this award possible.”

Paul Dentinger, Senior Vice President of the Purchasing & Supply Chain Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC, said, “As we focus our automobile business on maximising hybrid and gas-powered models, Honda continues to invest in our North American supplier network, collaborating with our supplier partners to turn innovative technology into value for our customers. In this rapidly changing business environment, we must work closely with our suppliers to find new ways to improve cost competitiveness, speed up development time and enhance product appeal that ensures Honda is the brand of choice for customers. Congratulations to all of our award-winning service parts and mass production suppliers who earned this distinguished honour.”

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German chemical group Wacker is moving forward aggressively with its PACE programme, a global initiative to cut costs and improve efficiency that was launched in October 2025. The overarching goal is to permanently secure the company’s competitive standing by slashing annual expenses by more than EUR 300 million, a target that has already been announced alongside plans for worldwide workforce reductions.

A key development in Germany involves a new agreement between management and employee representatives to handle the planned loss of roughly 1,600 jobs through socially responsible means. Instead of forced dismissals, the company will rely on voluntary measures such as attractive phased early retirement and severance packages. To create the financial breathing room for this approach, all German employees will accept a temporary solidarity contribution until 2028, taking the form of a four percent cut to both their hours and pay. All structural changes under the PACE umbrella are expected to be finalised by the end of 2027.

The distribution of job reductions will see the heaviest impact at the Burghausen site, Wacker’s largest globally, where 1,300 positions will be eliminated. The Nünchritz facility will lose 200 jobs, the Munich headquarters will reduce its headcount by 60 and a collective 50 positions will be cut from other Wacker locations across Germany. The implementation plan, which includes consolidating production facilities, adjusting shift system flexibility and shifting roles to international service hubs, has been fully agreed upon by both employer and employee representatives.

Christian Hartel, CEO, WACKER, said, "With the agreement we have now concluded, we have reached an important milestone in driving forward the necessary transformation in Germany and strengthening our competitiveness. We have already implemented numerous measures at our international sites that make us more flexible, more efficient and faster. Now, the implementation phase will start in Germany as well.”

Angela Wörl, Personnel Director, WACKER, said, "Together with the employee representatives, we have come up with good solutions to implement the necessary structural measures in Germany not only quickly, but, above all, in a socially responsible manner. This will strengthen the position of our German sites in the face of international competition and lay the foundation for future profitable growth."

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Bridgestone Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Bridgestone) has completed a major business transformation, having ceased manufacturing operations at its Hsinchu plant on 11 May 2026 and concluded all related production activities. The decision was based on adjustments to its global operational strategy and long-term market development considerations. Under this plan, Bridgestone continues to deepen its presence in the Taiwan market, having transitioned into a sales and service-focused business model.

The company, which has operated in Taiwan since 1982, stated that the Hsinchu facility has played a key role in supporting the Bridgestone Group’s operations and product supply over the years, building a solid foundation for the brand locally. Bridgestone pledged to follow local regulations in providing affected employees with comprehensive support, including career transition services and other assistance measures.

Going forward, Bridgestone will strengthen its sales and service capabilities by enhancing channel development, refining sales systems and deepening collaboration with local distributors. The company also plans to broaden its product portfolio to meet diverse market demands and improve overall service levels. Guided by its mission of serving society with superior quality, Bridgestone aims to leverage its global manufacturing network to ensure stable supply and greater product competitiveness in Taiwan.

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