The output of natural rubber fell by 32% and stood at 46,000 tonnes last month, while consumption declined by nearly 4% and stood at 82,500 tonnes, as per data compiled by the Rubber Board. In July last year, the production stood at 68,000 tonnes while consumption stood at 85,710 tonnes.
On the other hand, imports increased by 39% and stood at 29,311 tonnes last month compared to 21,059 tonnes in July 2012, while exports fell sharply to 40 tonnes from 1,882 tonnes during the period under review. During the April-July period of this fiscal, production fell by 18.6% to 196,000 tonnes. The consumption of natural rubber, however, decreased merely by 2% to 330,480 tonnes.
