World Rubber Production

Remains Static

iITORLD production of natural FT rubber in 1951 is expected to be substantially the same as hat in 1950. This is about 20,000 3ns less than was expected, lalaya’s output is now expected to e about 610,000 tons as against 94.000 tons in 1950 a loss due [most entirely to Malaya terrorist kids.

Indonesia, however, has increased reduction to 780,000 tons compared Ith 692,000 tons in 1950 (and about JO,OOO tons in 1948 and again in )49).

World consumption of natural ibber in 1951 is expected to be 510.000 tons—2o,ooo tons less than jtimated and a spectacular drop om the 1,705,000 tons consumed in >5O, despite the fact that during )51 both the UK and USA used tore natural rubber than had been itimated.

Synthetic rubber production in le United States is estimated at 15.000 tons in 1951; Canada pro aced 64,000 tons and Germany 000 tons.

World consumption of all types 1 rubber, excluding rubber added to overnment and commercial stock lies, is estimated at 2,340,000 tons gainst a total production of natural nd synthetic of 2,760,000 tons. A ,rge part of the surplus of 420,000 »ns has gone into stockpiles.

It was announced in January this jar that the United States plans to sport limited quantities of synthetic ibber to friendly countries in the rst quarter of 1952. Hitherto ex- Drts of synthetic rubber from the S have been banned.

The price to be paid for the ibber is 26 cents per pound—the ime price as for US domestic msumers.