Top 10 Rubber Producing Countries in World [Uses & Types]

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Rubber is one of the familiar products that can be used for Commercial, Residential and Industrial purpose. Generally, there are two types of Rubbers

These Natural Rubbers are derived from latex which is a milky substance found in the sap of trees. The products obtained from this process are a raw product.

Synthetic rubbers are from chemically synthesized. You can find many products in the market such as tire, sheet, pipe, floor,  strip, bands, mats, magnets, etc.

World Total Production — 15,051 million metric tons (FAO, Statistical yearbook — 2017)

The continent of Asia ranks 1st in rubber production. The plantation was introduced in Asia in the 19th century and the first shipment for foreign trade became in 1905. First rubber plantation was introduced by the British in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. The continent of Asia produces more than 91 percent of the natural rubber production in the world.

South-east Asia is the home of natural rubber production, out of 28 countries 12 highest production countries are in Asia. Among the continents, Africa ranks 2nd and it produces more than 6 percent. Third important natural rubber producing region in South and Central America. This region produces more than 2 percent natural rubber in the world.

Today, 28 countries are producing rubber in the world and ranked differently according to their production capacity and exports. The below list is of Top 10 in the world.

1: Thailand

Thailand ranks first in natural rubber production in the world. This South East Asian country has a monsoon climate, which is most suitable for vegetative growth of rubber plant. Southern Thailand region has the maximum plantation.

Thailand produces 3.12 million metric tons of natural rubber, and area under rubber plantation was 1.7 million hectares. Per hectare yield in Thailand is 17,710 kg.

2: Indonesia

Indonesia is the 2nd largest natural rubber producer in the world. Tropical and monsoon climate suitability has encouraged plantation in Indonesia. Indonesia shared about 21% output of the world.

Its rubber production was 2.54 million metric tons and area under rubber plantation was 3.175 million, while per hectare yield was 8000 kg, which is very low.

3: Malaysia

Malaysia ranks third after Thailand and Indonesia. The west coastal and piedmont zone of the Malay Peninsula and western part of Kalimantan is important for rubber estates.

Rubber output was 1,270,000 metric tons, while the area under plantation was 3,175,000 hectares and shared about 10% of the total production of the world.

4: India

Natural rubber plantation was introduced in India in 1880 when rubber was planted in Travancore and Malabar regions, but commercial plantation started at a relatively later date of 1902. Kerala is the most important largest rubber producer state in India, accounting for 92% for 92% of India’s rubber acreage.

Tamal Nadu, Karnataka, Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizorarn and Assam are other producing states. In the recent past, India produced 803,000 metric tons natural rubber, while the area under plantation was 450,000 hectares.

5: Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as the fifth largest natural rubber producer in the world. The area around the Ho “Chi Minh” city is of fundamental importance for rubber cultivation. Vietnam exports the bulk of her natural rubber output to international market.

Its natural rubber production was 550,000 metric tons (550 thousand metric tons). Plantation area is 512 thousand hectares.

6: China

China is another outstanding country among rubber producing countries and has emerged as 6th largest producer. China is an emerging industrial nation, its demand is very large, and therefore it is a deficit in production. China import natural rubber from other countries.

China’s rubber plantations are located at the hills of the south-east and in the Yangtze basin and coastal belt.

It produced 545,000 metric tons rubber, while the area under plantation was 475,000 hectares.

7: Philippines

The Archipelago of Philippine has a suitable climate for plantation. It has emerged an important country among producers in the recent decade. Philippines coastal regions are most suitable. Its production is 360 thousand metric tons and 95 thousand hectares plantation area.

8: Nigeria

During the last decade of the 20th century, Nigeria expanded its hectare age and yield and has become the 8th largest rubber producing country in the world. Favorable geographical conditions, cheap labor, nearness to the European market and foreign investment has increased plantation in Nigeria.

Rubber production was 143 thousand metric tons, while the area under rubber plantation was 340 thousand hectares.

9: Cote-d-Ivore

In the West African region, plantation first started in Liberia but Cote-d-Ivoire out ranked Liberia within short period. The Cote-d-Ivoire ranks 9th in the world.

During recent years, Its average rubber production was 128 thousand metric tons while hectare age under plantation was 75 thousand hectares. It is the largest rubber producing country in Africa. Cote-d-Ivoire exports all its production to European countries

10: Sri Lanka

In South, Asia rubber was first planted in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) towards the close of the 19th century. Being a small country expansion of rubber plantation is not possible. Even then, Sri Lanka is 10th largest producer in the world.

This is due to favorable Geographical conditions, cheap labor and easy shipment to international market. Cultivation of rubber is concentrated in the southwestern foothills of the central highlands.

Sri Lanka produced 117.6 thousand metric tons rubber, from 116.4 thousand hectares rubber estates. Sri Lanka’s 97 percent rubber output enters the international market.

Other Important Countries by Production

The countries Brazil, Liberia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, Guatemala, Liberia, Mexico, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea are some other Rubber Producing Countries