ANRPC: the world's natural rubber production in 2007 expected to grow 3.7%

Natural rubber producing countries said Friday, the world's natural rubber production in 2007 is expected to increase 3.7 percent over last year to 10,070,000 tons, annual output in 2008 will once again grow 2.2 percent to 10,290,000 tons. ANRPC economist Toms Joseph said: "The output increase was mainly due to the expansion of rubber plantation area, and increase productivity at the same time also from countries such as China and India, the growing demand of rubber." Joseph said at the meeting of the industry, In 2020, the world's natural rubber output is expected to reach 14,460,000 tons, Indonesia and Vietnam's rubber output will increase to a record level. Joseph also said that in 2007 the world's natural rubber consumption expected to increase 4.4 percent to 9,350,000 tons in 2008 to grow by 5.3 percent to 9,850,000 tons. By 2020, the world's natural rubber output is expected to be increased to 13,800,000 tons.