KOCHI: Natural rubber output in the country fell by 14 per cent to 199,000 tons during the April-July period of the current financial year compared with 221,000 tons in the same period a year ago, according to provisional estimates released by Rubber Board.
Import of natural rubber was also down marginally to 143,614 tons from 143,858 tons during the period.
The demand for the commodity, mainly used in the manufacture of automobile tyres, came down to 332,815 tons from 338,985 tons. Carryover stock as on July 30 is placed at 230,000 tons.
Adverse climatic conditions and the fall in prices are the main reasons for the decline in the natural rubber output.
The monsoon, considered as a lean period due to the fewer rubber tapping days, also contributed to the overall decline in output, said rubber growers.
Kerala accounted for nearly 90 per cent of the natural rubber output in the country.
