Rubber is a versatile material used in a variety of applications, from tires to industrial hoses and footwear. The global rubber industry has grown significantly in recent years, with increasing demand from emerging economies and innovations in production and processing technologies.
The commerce of rubber is an important sector of the global economy, with trade in raw rubber, processed rubber, and rubber products accounting for billions of dollars annually. The largest producers of natural rubber are Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, while synthetic rubber is mainly produced by the United States, Japan, and China.
This graph shows the leading consumers of rubber in recent years.
As seen in the graph, South Korea is the leading consumer of rubber. The United States is also a significant importer of rubber products, importing primarily from China, Thailand, and Canada. The top exports of rubber products from the United States are tires, hoses, and belts. The industry is also subject to significant competition from countries with lower labor costs and lower environmental and safety standards.
This graph shows the price of rubber over the last 25 years.
Environmental concerns are increasingly important in the rubber industry, with efforts being made to improve sustainability and reduce waste. This includes the development of new rubber recycling technologies and initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of rubber production and processing.
Overall, the commerce of rubber is a complex and multifaceted industry, with a significant impact on global trade and the environment. Continued innovation and investment in sustainable production and processing technologies will be crucial for the industry to continue to thrive in the future.