The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries  (ANRPC) revised its natural rubber production for 2020 to 12.597 million tonnes, a 9% fall from the previous year.

The Association said the revised outlook represents a downward revision by 304,000 tonnes or 2.2%  from the outlook for 2020 which ANRPC had reported in September 2020.

In 2021, the world production is anticipated to recover by posting an 8.6% increase to 13.678 million tonnes. Even if it increases at the anticipated 8.6% rate, the output in 2021 will remain lower than that in 2019 (13.842 million tonnes) or 2018 (13. 839 million tonnes), added ANRPC.

The world production of NR fell by 8.5%, year-over-year, to 10.098 million tonnes during Jan-Oct 2020 and is expected a 10.8%, year-over-year, drop during Nov-Dec 2020.

The world consumption of NR fell by 8.6%, year-over-year, to 10.496 million tonnes during Jan-Oct 2020. Accounting an anticipated 1.2% increase during Nov-Dec, the likely world consumption during the full year 2020 is expected at 12.811 million tonnes by representing a 6.9% fall from the previous year. The revised outlook represents an upward revision by 200,000 tonnes or 1.5 percentage points compared to the outlook reported by ANRPC in September 2020. The outlook for 2020 as reported in September 2020 was 12.611 million tonnes at an 8.4% decline. In 2021, the world consumption is anticipated to make a recovery by increasing at a 4.9% rate to 13.436 million tonnes. Despite growing at the anticipated 4.9% rate, the consumption in 2021 will not reach the quantity consumed in 2019 (13.768 million tonnes) or 2018 (13.898 million tonnes).

The key global events and geopolitics had influenced NR prices, both in the futures and physical markets, during October and November. Sentiment in the market during the two months was influenced by the outbreak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic especially in the U.S. and Europe, reported success in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines by global pharmaceutical majors, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, depreciation of the U.S, the dollar against a basket of currencies, and developments in the crude oil sector.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently participated in a Hari Raya Open House event. The gathering was organised by Malaysia’s Rubber Development Division, which falls under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. This occasion allowed the ANRPC to connect with important figures within the natural rubber sector. By bringing together various industry partners, the open house successfully created an atmosphere of goodwill and strengthened existing relationships.

The ANRPC has conveyed its genuine gratitude to the event’s hosts for their warm reception and thoughtful organisation. The association acknowledged the importance of uniting stakeholders in such a meaningful celebration, which helps reinforce shared goals and collaborative spirit across the sector.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ARLANXEO has officially opened its Innovation Center Asia (ICA) in Changzhou, China, transforming the former Regional Technical Center into a full-fledged Asian innovation hub. This upgrade significantly strengthens the company’s global research and development network, with a clear focus on serving the local Chinese market as well as broader regional needs. The expansion reflects ARLANXEO’s commitment to advancing performance elastomers through targeted regional investment.

Now boasting larger facilities, an expanded team and new laboratory equipment, the Innovation Center Asia is equipped to handle rubber compounding, processing, physical testing, chemical analysis, battery prototyping and more. A dedicated chemistry lab has been added to support the nearby HNBR plant and global HNBR research activities. Located alongside ARLANXEO’s EPDM and HNBR plants in Changzhou, the centre fosters close customer collaboration to address evolving market needs. It also works in tandem with the company’s Dormagen, Germany, innovation centre, jointly developing new testing methods, exploring advanced technologies and delivering innovative product solutions worldwide.

The inauguration event featured speeches from Herman Dikland, ARLANXEO’s Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, and Hong Sun, Managing Director of ARLANXEO China. Joining them at the ceremony were company representatives, key customers, local government officials and academic partners from various universities. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and shared interest in driving innovation forward.

Herman Dikland, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Innovation is a core driver of ARLANXEO’s sustainable growth, and China plays an important role in our global innovation ecosystem. This state-of-the-art laboratory facility puts us in an excellent position to advance our R&D capabilities and reinforce our market position. We look forward to driving frontier innovation together with our passionate and creative China team while bringing China-based innovation into solutions for global markets.”

Hong Sun, Managing Director, ARLANXEO China, said, “The inauguration of the Innovation Center Asia reflects our commitment to supporting the rapid transformation of China’s rubber industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. With growing demand for advanced materials and customised formulations, the new centre will further strengthen our proximity to customers, enhance our agility in meeting market needs and better support the upgrading of the entire rubber industry.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ARLANXEO has strengthened its role in the synthetic rubber industry by expanding its marketing and sales agreement for EPDM rubber produced by Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Company (PRC), a joint stock company formed under the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new arrangement became effective in February 2026, granting ARLANXEO exclusive rights to market all EPDM grades coming from PRC’s facilities, which will continue to be sold under the Keltan KSA product name.

This extension of the Keltan KSA business highlights ARLANXEO’s dedicated commitment to the worldwide EPDM market. By combining the original Keltan line with the Keltan KSA portfolio, the company now offers customers a uniquely broad and comprehensive range of EPDM solutions, ensuring a more complete service across diverse applications.

John Sawaya, Chief Business Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Through this expanded agreement, we are further enhancing ARLANXEO’s position as the global supplier for EPDM synthetic rubber.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. has been named ‘India’s Leading ESG Entity’ by Dun & Bradstreet in its report, ‘ESG Horizons: Now and Next 2026’. The honour acknowledges how deeply the company has woven environmental, social and governance considerations into its main business approach. By focusing on clean technologies and building out the lithium-ion battery value chain, Himadri proves that responsible manufacturing and sustainable expansion go hand in hand.

Dun & Bradstreet arrived at this decision using its own ESG Intelligence Framework Rating, which looked closely at the company’s performance during FY25 across key environmental, social and governance indicators. Winning this distinction shows how consistently Himadri works to generate lasting value for everyone connected to the business while keeping industrial practices responsible. Anurag Choudhary, CMD and CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, has explained that ESG thinking drives their innovation efforts from the ground up. Through breakthroughs in advanced materials and battery technology, the firm actively pushes forward the global movement towards a cleaner economy.

Several real-world achievements back up Himadri’s reputation for sustainability leadership. All eight of its manufacturing sites operate on a zero-liquid discharge basis. The company generates enough clean power internally to cover 100 percent of its electrical energy needs. Beyond environmental measures, Himadri has also built a strong global presence, supplying specialised chemical solutions to clients spread across 56 different countries.

A business model rooted heavily in research and development along with circular use of resources allows Himadri to keep sustainability at the centre of its growth story. By integrating these principles rather than treating them as an afterthought, the company ensures its long-term impact on both industry and the environment remains positive.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!