The imports of natural rubber fell by 39 percent to 24,093 tonnes in January from a year ago as tyre makers trimmed overseas purchases due to a rally in global prices. As per data compiled by state-run Rubber Board, the country’s production in the month jumped 27 percent to 66,000 tonnes from a year ago as farmers increased tapping to cash in on the price rally.
The consumption in January remained largely unchanged at 84,000 tonnes, compared with 84,875 tonnes a year ago. The prices of natural rubber in India have jumped to their highest levels in three years following a surge in overseas prices due to supply disruptions in Thailand.
India imports natural rubber mainly from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.