Informist, Thursday, May 6, 2021

By Rahul Dhuri

MUMBAI – India's rubber imports likely declined for the second consecutive year in 2020-21 (Apr-Mar). The country imported an estimated 413,190 tn of rubber, 10% less than the previous year, an industry source told Informist.

For 2020-21, block rubber imports fell to 357,515 tn from 379,650 tn a year ago. Imports of rubber sheets fell to 48,045 tn from 66,883 tn.

Imports have declined due to container shortages, delay in clearance at ports and higher rubber rates in international markets. Some retailers and manufacturers did not pick up their cargo at ports because their warehouses were full or closed. While some ports were open, they had less workforce, which exacerbated the cargo congestion.

India's consumption of natural rubber fell 3.3% to 1.1 mln tn in 2020-21, while production inched up 0.4% to 715,000 tn.

Demand for natural rubber from the tyre sector rose 3.2% on year to 780,584 tn, but fell 16.4% to 315,826 tn from the non-tyre sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a supply chain disruption for several industries. As cargo piled up at ports, it blocked capacity for incoming cargo and containers, disrupting imports and exports.

Exports of rubber eased to 11,324 tn in 2020-21 from 12,872 tn a year ago. Stocks of natural rubber in India rose to 351,547 tn from 331,091 tn a year ago.

The pandemic has also disrupted manufacturing operations, consumption patterns, and transport of rubber, market participants said. End

Edited by Patricia Hou

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