IRSG: Global rubber consumption drops 5.3% in Q1 2026 as demand weakens outside Asia-Pacific

Global rubber consumption fell 5.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, while production declined 3.3%, according to the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). The drop—affecting both natural and synthetic rubber—was driven by weaker demand outside Asia-Pacific, the industry body reported in its latest Rubber Statistical Bulletin released on August 7, 2026. Demand in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) plunged 9.7%, while the Americas saw a 10.9% decline. Asia-Pacific bucked the trend, with consumption falling just 0.5% compared to Q1 2025. Natural rubber (NR) production dropped 1.2% year-on-year, while consumption fell 6.3%. International NR trade also weakened, with imports down 4.8% and exports down 9.4% over the quarter. Synthetic rubber (SR) production fell 4.7%, with consumption declining 4.3%. The IRSG attributed the figures to “weakening rubber demand amid a challenging global economic environment and softer consumption across major markets.”