2010.09.1302:24:00UTC+00Malaysian July Natural Rubber Production Rises

Malaysia produced around 81,083 tonnes of natural rubber in July, up 14.6% when compared to the previous month, the Department of Statistics said on Monday. But, the annual rate declined 2.2% in July.

Malaysia's main producer of natural rubber was from the smallholding sector with a contribution of 93.2%, while the estate sector accounted for only 6.8%.

Exports increased by 5.8% month-on-month to 75,505 tonnes in July. A higher increase of 22.5% was recorded when compared to a year ago. The major buyers were China, Germany, Republic of Korea, Republic of Iran and U.S.A.

At the same time, Malaysia imported 57,033 tonnes of natural rubber. While imports increased 14.8% on a monthly comparison in July, it dropped by around 17.1% annually. Malaysia imported natural rubber mainly from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar.

Domestic consumption of natural rubber increased 6.2%, totaling 38,184 tonnes when compared with the previous month. Annually, it dipped 8.7%.

The level of stocks of natural rubber in July recorded a total of 118,805 tonnes, a marginal increase of 1.4% when compared to the level of stocks of the previous month. Year-on-year, the stocks level decreased by 15.5%.

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