The world production of NR grew from 12.429 million tonnes in 2016 to 13.282 million tonnes in 2017, almost 90% of the world supply is produced by ANRPC member countries. For global consumption of NR, it has increased by 1.4% to 12.904 million tonnes during the year 2017. Sign of recovery in rubber prices showed during December 2017 on an upward trend posted in crude oil prices and agreed export cut by the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) members.
In 2017, ANRPC member countries have addressed some of the challenges faced in rubber market through several measures such as boosting more uses of NR, providing loan at subsidized interest rate, providing replanting subsidy, increasing productivity and more measures. These measures not only to ensure sustainability of the NR industry but also benefit to the rubber fraternity especially rubber smallholders.