ANRPC releases Monthly NR Statistical Report, July 2026

Foreword by Secretary-General

It is my honor to present the ANRPC Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for July 2026, a month characterized by continued resilience in natural rubber prices amid seasonal improvements in supply, firm downstream demand, and heightened geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. In contrast to June, when the provisional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz contributed to a decline in crude oil prices, July was characterized by renewed conflict and disruptions affecting major shipping routes. Brent crude oil averaged approximately USD 83.76 per barrel in July, while the spot price reached USD 96.95 per barrel at end-month (31 July). The rise was largely driven by concerns over potential restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and broader instability in the Middle East, which increased risks to global energy supplies and strengthened the risk premium in oil markets.

As detailed in Figure 1, physical natural rubber prices showed mixed movements across major grades in July 2026. The average price of SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur declined by 4.38% month-on-month to USD 2.22/kg, while STR-20 in Bangkok decreased by 7.84% to USD 2.35/kg. RSS-3 also weakened, falling 5.43% to USD 2.92/kg, whereas RSS-4 increased 2.26% to USD 2.90/kg. Meanwhile, the average price of latex-in-bulk declined by 6.62% to USD 1.81/kg. On the import side, China's imports decreased by 3.17% month-on-month, while India (9.38%), Viet Nam (11.08%), and Malaysia (9.52%) increased. On the export side, Thailand (+0.10%), Viet Nam (+3.31%), and Malaysia (+11.48%) advanced, while Cambodia (-2.10%) and Indonesia (-0.08%) decreased.

Global natural rubber production is projected to reach 15.279 million tons in 2026, representing a 2.1% increase from 14.971 million tons in 2025, led by gains in Thailand, China, India, and Malaysia even as Indonesia and Viet Nam ease (Figure 2a). On a monthly basis, global production is estimated at 1.321 million tons in July 2026, 5.15% below the 1.393 million tons recorded in July 2025. Thailand, Viet Nam and Cambodia are expected to contribute to the seasonal recovery in July. Global natural rubber demand is forecast to increase modestly by 0.4% in 2026, reaching 15.356 million tons compared with 15.301 million tons in 2025. The largest increases in projected consumption are expected in China, Malaysia, and Cambodia (Figure 2b). July consumption rose to 1,297,000 tons (+0.8% year-on-year), led by China (603,100 tons) and India (116,000 tons), supported by steady tyre and EV-linked demand, a still-expanding manufacturing PMI in India (53.5), record auto retail sales in India, and steady tyre demand in China despite a manufacturing PMI of 49.2.

The Malaysian ringgit traded between RM4.07/USD and RM4.09/USD, while the Thai baht traded between THB 33.13/USD and THB 33.76/USD. The SHFE September 2026 contract averaged 16,802.61 CNY/ton (-4.43% m-o-m) and the SGX September 2026 contract averaged USD 2.14/kg (-4.45% m-o-m).

ANRPC remains committed to providing timely, authoritative, and objective analysis of the global natural rubber market in fulfilment of its mandate as an inter-governmental organization dedicated to the sustainable development of the natural rubber sector. I encourage member governments, industry partners, and all stakeholders to engage closely with the analysis presented in this report and to draw upon these findings in the formulation of evidence-based policies and strategic decisions.

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Yours sincerely,

Dr. Suttipong Angthong

Secretary-General