ACCORDING to the latest report released by Singapore-based International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), annual global rubber consumption reached 25.8 million tonnes by end Q4 2011, 4% higher than at the same point in 2010, reflecting a decelerating increase in the demand for vehicles and tyres.
Global synthetic rubber (SR) production was 6% higher than at end Q4 2010, in line with the relatively strong growth seen in SR consumption supported by competitive prices, while global NR consumption was 1.4% higher than at end Q4 2010.
Global rubber demand is forecast to reach 26.8 million tonnes in 2012.
Global SR demand is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2012, while global NR demand is forecast to rise by 3.4% in 2012. The global NR production is forecast to rise by 3.2% to 11.3 million tonnes in 2012. (PRA)
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