)
Natural rubber imports were up 41 per cent at 279,627 tonnes during April-January (10 months) this financial year. A year ago, these were 197,946 tonnes. But in January this year, imports had slowed 20 per cent at 19,696 tonnes against 24,505 tonnes a year ago. This was the first time in the financial year imports had recorded a monthly drop. This is mainly due to the rise in duty, as local prices had dropped sharply in three months.
Imports till January had crossed the annual figure of 2012-13, of 217,364 tonnes. It is certain imports would cross 300,000 tonnes by March-end, despite the duty rise. The local price on Thursday was Rs 147 for a kg of RSS-4 grade, but in Bangkok it was Rs 133. Production, consumption drop. According to the estimates of the Rubber Board, production in April-January this financial year dropped nine per cent at 723,000 tonnes against 798,200 tonnes a year ago. Consumption fell one per cent to 811,110 tonnes during the period this financial year against 818,290 tonnes a year ago.
The trend in production may affect availability over four -five months. The summer is a lean season for production, which picks up during monsoon. Board sources said the production this financial year would not be more than 870,000 tonnes. Intensive rains and leaf fall were the main reasons for the decline.
| Volume (in tonnes) | Apr-Jan 2014 | Apr-Jan 2013 | Variation (%) |
| Production | 723,000 | 798,200 | -9% |
| Consumption | 811,110 | 818,290 | -1% |
| Import | 279,627 | 197,946 | 41% |
| Export | 5,357 | 15,632 | -66% |
| Source: Rubber Board |
The Board had projected a production of 960,000 tonnes in 2013-14 and a consumption of 1,020,000 tonnes, with an annual deficit of 60,000 tonnes. According to growers, production is likely to drop to 800,000 tonnes.
During 2012-13, India had produced 912,200 tonnes, a one per cent rise on a year ago. But this financial year, a seven-eight per cent drop is certain.
In April-January this financial year, India could export 5,357 tonnes against 15,632 tonnes a year ago, a fall of 66 per cent.
