The Rubber Board has refuted the tire industry’s claim of a mismatch between official natural rubber production data and market realities, and said the current estimation methodology is scientifically sound and reliable.
Board officials said the methodology implemented since 2013-14 was reviewed and verified by a panel of experts from leading national institutions. It is based on direct data collection from all stakeholders and actors in the actual tapped area, capturing changes in tapping practices over time with transparency and consistency.
The Rubber Board said it maintains a robust and transparent statistical system, in which estimates of production and consumption are derived from statutory monthly returns filed by estates, processors, dealers and manufacturers. These are complemented by scientifically designed sample surveys among small producers. The projections are finalized by the Internal Statistics Monitoring Committee of the Board and further validated through consultation with stakeholders, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the published data.
Production increased 4.6% in the first half
Natural rubber production in the country is estimated to be 5.69 lakh tonnes during April-November 2025, which is 4.6 per cent higher than 5.44 lakh tonnes recorded in the same period last year.
During this period, domestic prices of RSS-4 grade sheet rubber ranged between ₹184 and ₹213 per kg. Officials said the continuation of the rubber production incentive scheme by the Kerala government and increase in the support price to ₹200 per kg significantly contributed to the high production levels.
Natural rubber consumption increased to 9.60 lakh tonnes during April-November 2025, a growth of 3.1 per cent year-on-year. The average monthly consumption during the current year is approximately 1.20 lakh tonnes, the stock level maintained by the rubber manufacturing industry is sufficient to meet the demand.
According to officials, producers are generally aware of fluctuations in domestic and international markets and hold stocks in anticipation of price increases. The total stock of natural rubber with producers, processors, dealers and manufacturers at the end of November 2025 is estimated to be 3.33 lakh tonnes, of which more than half is held by manufacturers, including 1.18 lakh tonnes reported by the auto tire sector. International prices currently remain above domestic levels.
Published on January 28, 2026
