International Rubber Study Group

Welcome to the International Rubber Study Group

The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) is an inter-governmental organization with the main objective of improving the transparency of the world rubber market and strengthening the international cooperation on rubber issues.
The IRSG is recognized as an International Body through the negotiation of a Headquarter Agreement with the Government of the United Kingdom in 1978. Subsequently, a new Headquarter Agreement with the Government of Singapore was signed in 2008.
The Study Group has no provision for market intervention activities of any kind and is independent of the private sector.
The IRSG Secretariat is based in Singapore.

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Global Rubber Industry

Production and Consumption of Natural and Synthetic Rubber.

Note: Russia is included under Europe and the Middle East under Africa.
All figures in ('000 mt)

Global Rubber Demand

The world total rubber consumption contracted by 6.2% in 2020, with a deeper contraction for Tyre sector (-7.3%) over Non-Tyre Product sector (-4.2%). Strong recovery in China, supported by the commercial vehicle tyre sector, helped to offset part of the...

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Global Rubber Supply

The world total rubber production dropped by 5.7% in 2020, with NR production (5.1%) contracted more than that of SR production (4.5%). The global NR production was disrupted severely by the confluence of loss of tapping days due to labour...

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Market centered in Asia

Consumption of natural rubber is primarily located in Asia Pacific region with China, India and Thailand being the largest consumers. On the other hand, Asia Pacific also dominates the synthetic rubber industry with 60% of global consumption. Driven by the...

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NR Supply Concentrated

Thailand and Indonesia are the world’s largest producers and exporters of natural rubber, accounting for 56% of the global supply. In 2020, Thailand and Indonesia exported 84% and 87% of their natural rubber produced respectively, mainly to their neighbouring countries...

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Rubber Price Trend

Average price trends (2021)NR-SGX-TSR20: 1.67 UScent/kg Average SGX TSR20 prices were much higher in 2021, as compared to the 2020 average price of 1.32UScent/kg. NR futures prices increased substantially in 2021, supported by stronger global demand in automotive and tyre...

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The IRSG Community: Members, Subscribers and Partners

The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) is the biggest worldwide community in the rubber economy. Our members, subscribers and partners represent governments, companies and organizations that are shaping and transforming the rubber industry in strategic and socially responsible ways. The Group is a platform for senior executives and representatives to provide insights through dedicated meetings, working groups, conferences and projects....

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Scope of Activities

To collect, process and publish improved statistics on rubber markets, both for natural and synthetic rubber.
To compile and publish other relevant information on rubber, including environmental, health and safety regulations.
To provide a forum for consultations on issues of interest to rubber producing and consuming countries and their industries (from smallholders to the final consumers)
To undertake economic analysis, on topic such as price volatility, capacity building and social issues.

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