Global production of NR latex is estimated to have reached a moving annual total (MAT) of 1.08 million tonnes in March 2010, 18% higher than the production at the same point in 2009, according to the IRSG report. NR latex production recorded an increase in Q1 across the major producers, with Malaysia registering the highest growth.
Global NR latex rubber consumption reached a MAT of 1.29 million tonnes in March 2010, in volume terms around 33,000 tonnes, 2.6% higher than consumption at the same point in 2009. However, NR latex consumption saw a marginal decline in Q1 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, owing to high price prevailed during this period coinciding with the lean production season.