Large-scale imports of compound rubber have become a raging issue in the Indian rubber sector, with farmers protesting against it while tiremakers exploit duty differentials relative to natural rubber imports, especially from ASEAN countries. The Indian Rubber Board presented data on rising imports at its recent Statistics Committee meeting. Data through October 2025 indicate that compound rubber imports at a lower duty rate are increasing, undermining domestic natural rubber prices.
Highlights
• Over 49% YoY increase in compound rubber imports in April-Oct 2025
• NR imports witness a decline of 17.4% during April-Oct 2025
• Domestic production, consumption post spikes of 4.9% and 3.1%