Natural Rubber Prices | Current and Forecast
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Monitor monthly Natural Rubber price assessments covering Southeast Asia. Also check 10-year price history and forecasts.
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Data Legend. The chart above shows price assessments in USA Dollar per metric ton (USD/mt) as follows:
- (TSR 20), SEA (Southeast Asia): Natural Rubber (technical specified rubber), export spot price, fob, Indonesia
- (RSS 3), SEA (Southeast Asia): Natural Rubber (ribbed smoked sheet rubber), export spot price, fob, Thailand
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Natural Rubber Price Outlook. The price of (TSR 20, Southeast Asia) increased during January 2020 to 1,450 USD per metric ton, which represents a rise of 4% compared to the previous month’s value. On a year-over-year basis, the prices of (TSR 20, Southeast Asia) increased significantly by 16%.
About Natural Rubber. Natural Rubber (a.k.a. cis-1,4-polyisoprene, NR) is predominantly sourced from the latex of the 'Hevea brasiliensis' tree. Originally native to the Amazon, the tree was introduced to Southeast Asia, where Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand stand as the primary producers, collectively contributing approximately 70% of the world's Natural Rubber output. The quality of the latex and the subsequent processing determine the grades obtained. In general, Natural Rubbers are vulcanized before being commercialized.
Natural Rubber is predominantly used in tire manufacturing due to its exceptional building tack, low heat buildup, low rolling resistance, and favorable low-temperature performance, making it the preferred polymer for various tire constructions in both passenger and truck vehicles. Although synthetic rubber gained popularity with the introduction of the precured tread process, Natural Rubber-based formulations can offer comparable wear performance with lower rolling resistance, leading to improved fuel economy. Outside of tire production, Natural Rubber is used in various latex products such as gloves, balloons, latex thread, foam, carpet backing, and rubberized coir and hair. Collectively, these latex goods consume approximately 10% of the world's rubber production.
Synthetic rubber varieties serve as substitutes for Natural Rubber in diverse applications. Common alternatives include Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Polybutadiene Rubber (BR), Butyl Rubber (IIR), Nitrile Rubber (NBR), and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). Each type offers specific properties tailored to various applications, such as tire manufacturing, automotive components, seals, gaskets, and electrical insulation.
Natural Rubber Handling. The packaging of Natural Rubber varies depending on its grade and form. For example, crepe rubber is typically packed in double-layered bags or wrapped in plastic and placed in wooden crates. Rubber sheets are folded into bales, compressed, and wrapped in protective sheets, then transported in crates or containers. Alternatively, sheets can be folded and packed in plastic bags. Technically Specified Natural Rubbers (TSR) are individually wrapped in plastic and stacked on pallets. Natural Rubbers should be stored in cool and dry areas, maintaining temperatures between -10 °C and +20 °C. The relative humidity should not exceed 65%, and rubber should be shielded from direct sunlight and UV radiation. Rubber materials should avoid contact with solvents, oils, greases, or other aggressive chemicals. During transport, compliance with water content limits is crucial when using standard containers. Ideally, insulated or open-sided containers in well-ventilated lower holds offer optimal conditions, providing protection from solar radiation and temperature variations.
Natural Rubber Production. Raw materials and the respective production processes employed in the manufacturing of Natural Rubber are listed below.
- Field latex (coagulation)
Natural Rubber Uses. Field latex and field coagulum are primary sources for an infinutude of dry natural rubber grades. There are about 35 conventional grades, based on the origin of raw materials and processing techniques, from which it is worth highlighting ribbed smoked sheets (RSS) and pale creeps. Evaluation involves visual inspection and comparison with global standards, focusing on attributes like color, cleanliness, and consistency of appearance. On the other hand, there are Technically Specified Grades (TSRs), which simplify and reduce the number of different specifications. TSR grades come with guaranteed quality specifications, a well-defined manufacturing process, and are packed in small, polyethylene-wrapped 33.3-kg bales. The specified manufacturing involves coagulation of latex, blending, formic acid addition, coagulation maturation, and size-reducing processes to obtain small, uniformly sized crumbs.