WHAT IS IT?
Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene (C₅H₈) harvested as latex from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It has unique elastic properties that synthetic rubbers cannot fully replicate, making it irreplaceable in high-performance tyres and medical gloves.
GRADES
RSS (Ribbed Smoked Sheet): Traditional grade, visually inspected. RSS1, RSS2, RSS3, RSS4, RSS5 — lower number = higher quality. RSS3 is the most traded grade.
TSR (Technically Specified Rubber): Analysed by chemical specification rather than visual inspection. TSR10, TSR20 — the number is max dirt content percentage.
Latex Concentrate: 60% DRC (Dry Rubber Content). Used in gloves, condoms, adhesives.
Crepe: Various grades for speciality applications.
KEY USES
Vehicle tyres (largest use — 70% of natural rubber)
Medical gloves
Industrial hoses and belts
Seals and gaskets
Adhesives
WHY NATURAL RUBBER IS IRREPLACEABLE
Synthetic rubber (SBR, BR) cannot match natural rubber's heat dissipation in aircraft tyres and large truck tyres. This ensures continued demand regardless of synthetic alternatives.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major producers: Thailand (world's largest), Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, China
Major buyers: China (40%+ of global demand), USA, Japan, Europe
Tetra relevance: Southeast Asia origin is dominant. China is largest buyer.
PRICING
Benchmark: SICOM (Singapore Commodity Exchange) for RSS3 and TSR20. Also TOCOM (Tokyo). Prices in USd/kg or USD/MT.
World Bank Pink Sheet tracks RSS3 monthly.
QUALITY PARAMETERS (TSR20)
Dirt content: max 0.20%
Ash content: max 1.00%
Nitrogen: max 0.60%
Volatile matter: max 1.00%
PRI (Plasticity Retention Index): min 40
SEASONALITY
Production peaks April–June and October–November. Monsoon season (July–September) reduces tapping in Thailand and Indonesia, often tightening supply.