Traders rule out import of natural rubber to check prices

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| Unexpected surge in demand is pushing rubber prices to record levels and speculation is rife that prices may even touch Rs 80. |
| Traders told Business Standard that there is a carryover stock of 1,07,000 tonne as on March 31, 2005. This can reduce the scope for imports. |
| They also said that the carryover stock will be around 1,00,000 tonne by the end of FY 2006-07. The area under cultivation of rubber will also increase and the gap between supply and demand will be closed by 2008-09, they said. |
| Natural rubber prices are low in the global market but trade experts said duty-bound exports might not be a viable option to import rubber as duty as the cost incurred thus would be higher than the local rubber prices. |
| But as local rubber prices increase further compared to the international rates, the case for imports is strengthened. |
| Natural rubber is all set to continue its bull-run as price of RSS 4 grade increased to Rs 62 per kg here today. Other grades of rubber also showed an upward movement. |
| Increased exports of rubber is the main reason for the drop in the stock, which is pushing prices ahead. During 2001-02 total carryover stock was around 1,93,070 tonne and in 2003-04, India exported 75,906 tonne rubber. |
| Consumption of NR is on the increase world over compared to synthetic rubber. This indicates a good time ahead for NR growers. |
| According to a Rubber Board study, the gap between supply and demand of natural rubber will be widened during the current fiscal and in the years ahead. |
| As per the Board's estimates, in the FY 05-06 total rubber production is expected to be 7,80,000 tonne and consumption around 7,92,000 tonne, leaving a deficit of 12,000 tonne. |
| In 2006 -07 the estimated production will be to the tune of 8,20,000 tonne and consumption, around 8,40,000 tonne. This will be a key factor in determining the price line of NR in future. |
First Published: May 13 2005 | 12:00 AM IST