The Rubber Board has revised the target for both exports and imports of natural rubber on accounts of distinct changes in domestic and international market conditions. | |
| According to the board's revised estimates, imports may increase to 80,000 tonnes against its target to contain it at 60,000 tonnes. |
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| According rubber dealers and rubber-based industry sources, imports may even go up to 90,000 tonnes. During the first six months of the current financial year, 50,865 tonnes were imported against 28,879 tonnes last year, a growth of 41 per cent. |
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| However, the board has scaled down the exports target to 25,500 tonnes against its earlier projection of 70,000 tonnes. During April-October, a mere 17,495 tonnes were exported against 49,702 tonnes during the same period last year. |
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| The board has also revised the country's total stocks figure as on March 31 , 2008, to 186,000 tonnes. The sharp increase in stocks will ensure a hurdle-free supply of natural rubber, and hence check increase in prices in the domestic market. |
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