What This Chart Shows
This chart displays the global price of rubber, measured in U.S. dollars per kilogram. Rubber is a critical industrial material used in tires, manufacturing, automotive components, footwear, and a wide range of consumer and industrial goods.
The chart highlights long‑term price movements driven by global demand, agricultural output, weather patterns, and macroeconomic conditions.
Why Rubber Matters
Rubber is essential to global manufacturing and transportation. Its price is shaped by:
- Tire production (the largest source of demand)
- Automotive manufacturing cycles
- Agricultural output from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
- Weather patterns and seasonal harvests
- Commodity market inventories
- Global economic growth and industrial activity
Because rubber is used across transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods, its price is a strong indicator of industrial momentum.
Key Insights
- Rubber demand is dominated by tire and automotive production.
- Prices are highly sensitive to weather and agricultural yields.
- Southeast Asia controls most global supply, influencing price volatility.
- Rubber is one of the most cyclical industrial commodities.
- Long‑term trends reflect both manufacturing cycles and agricultural conditions.
Source
International Monetary Fund (via FRED), Series ID: PRUBBUSDM