Natural rubber production rises as imports plummet

Thanks to favorable climate conditions and stronger domestic prices, India has seen natural rubber (NR) production grow by 3.4 percent in 2025-26, even as imports fell sharply.

According to an official statement issued by the Rubber Board, the country’s total NR production rose to 9.05 million tonnes from 8.75 million tonnes in the previous year. Consumption also increased by 1.2 percent to 14.27 million tonnes from 14.10 million tonnes in 2024-25.

While favorable climatic conditions were cited as a major contributing factor, the council also attributed the growth to measures such as rain protection, self-service labour, scientific farming practices, capacity building programs and plant protection initiatives. The guaranteed price offered under the rubber production incentive scheme introduced by the Kerala government has also encouraged growers in the state, she noted.

“The upward trend in domestic natural rubber prices has revived growers’ interest. Prices remained relatively stable during 2025-26, narrowing the gap between domestic and international markets. RSS-4 prices peaked at ₹ 262 per kg on 14 May 2026,” it said.

While overall demand grew by 1.2 percent, the auto tire sector, which accounts for nearly 64 percent of the country’s natural rubber consumption, saw a 4 percent decline. However, the general rubber goods sector showed strong growth.

Meanwhile, the 29th meeting of the Rubber Board Statistics Advisory Panel was held at the Rubber Board headquarters in Kottayam on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by representatives of growers, rubber producers’ associations, dealers, processors and tire manufacturers as well as other tire manufacturers to review key sector indicators.

The panel also noted that natural rubber imports declined by 16.7% to 4.59 million tonnes in 2025-26 from 5.51 million tonnes in the previous year. However, imports of compound rubber under HS code 4005 rose sharply to 3.49 million tonnes from 2.45 million tonnes.

India currently ranks sixth among natural rubber producing countries in the world.

Published – 27 May 2026 19:44 IST