Análisis del caucho natural en el mundo

Resumo

The aim of this paper is to describe the situation in the sector of natural rubber in the world, analyzing the planted areas, dynamics of production and consumption as well as some factors that impact the supply. Despite its South American origin, the largest areas of plantations of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg), and higher yields are concentrated in Asia. Several Asian countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and China) account for 92% of the planted area and of the world production. Among the South American countries, Brazil reaches 1% of world production; the rest of countries does not reach those numbers nor do the countries of Africa and Oceania, and collectively account for 8% of world production. The high yields of natural rubber plantations of the Asian countries are due in part to the concentration of surface, the improvement of farming techniques for over eight decades, the breeding of cloned plant material and the introduction of policies that favor the development of the sector. Other factors affecting the global supply of natural rubber are the weather conditions, the socio-political situation in some producing countries, the environmental concerns, oil prices, the slow-down of U.S. economy and the economic crisis in the Eurozone.