Global rubber consumption falls 5.3 percent in Q1

Singapore – Global rubber consumption declined by 5.3% year-on-year in Q1 2026, while total rubber production contracted by 3.3%, according to the latest data released by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) in its Rubber Statistical Bulletin. The figures point to weakening rubber demand amid a challenging global economic environment and softer consumption across major markets.
The consumption decline was particularly pronounced outside the Asia-Pacific region. Rubber consumption in Asia-Pacific decreased marginally by 0.5% year-on-year, while EMEA recorded a decline of 9.7% and the Americas contracted by 10.9% compared with Q1 2025. The regional figures highlight considerable divergence in demand conditions, with Asia-Pacific remaining relatively resilient despite the broader contraction in global rubber consumption.
In natural rubber (NR) market, global NR production declined by 1.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026, while NR consumption fell more sharply by 6.3%. International trade also weakened during the quarter, with NR imports declining by 4.8% and exports falling by 9.4% compared with Q1 2025.
The synthetic rubber (SR) market also recorded weaker production and consumption during the first quarter. Global SR production declined by 4.7% year-on-year, while consumption decreased by 4.3% compared with Q1 2025.
Overall, the Q1 2026 figures indicate a broad-based slowdown in the global rubber market, with consumption declining faster than production. Weak demand in EMEA and the Americas weighed particularly heavily on global consumption, while Asia-Pacific showed greater resilience.