Exports of natural rubber from India increased by a 800 per cent during 1996-97 in comparison to the shipments in 1995-96, according to official sources.
During 1996-97, when prices of natural rubber declined owing to a recession in the automotive tyre sector, India exported 1598 tonnes of the commodity against a meagre 200 tonnes exported during 1995-96, the sources said.
During 1995-96, India was hit by a shortfall in natural rubber production and imported 53,225 tonnes of the commodity. The shortage also led to rubber prices touching a record high of Rs 70 a kg then.
Exports during 1996-97 were, however, far below the almost 6000 tonnes shipped during 1992-93 by India. In fact natural rubber exports since 1991-92 have been very erratic, though 96 per cent of the local demand is being met through domestic production.
The increase in natural rubber exports has to an extent been helped by a 8.4 per cent increase in natural rubber production in the country.
During 1991-92, India had exported 5834 tonnes of natural rubber which increased further to 5999 tonnes in 1992-93. Exports, however, fell to an abysmal low of 186 tonnes during 1993-94 before picking up again in 1994-95 when 1961 tonnes were shipped. This was followed by 200 tonnes exports in 1995-96 and a creditable performance in 1996-97.
The sources said the maximum quantity shipped during a month in 1996-97 was in February, when 259 tonnes were exported. During April and May 1996, India exported 246 tonnes and 219 tonnes respectively. The exports were, however, unsteady during the year with no shipments during July.
As against exports, India imported 18,057 tonnes of natural rubber during the year, which was 66 per cent less than the imports during 1995-96. A feature of the imports were that it was made through the advance licence scheme against export of rubber goods. This year, the rubber board has estimated that India could import 20,000 tonnes of natural rubber under the advance licence scheme.
