Gapkindo Sumut reported that natural rubber exports from North Sumatra in January 2025 reached 25,910 tons, marking a 10.41% increase compared to December 2024 (23,467 tons). This also showed a modest growth of 0.43% year-over-year (YoY), as January 2024 recorded 25,799 tons. Despite the increase, exports are still far from the typical monthly volume of around 42,000 tons. The key factor limiting significant growth is weak demand from China, the main consumer, due to long holidays for the New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Additionally, the supply of natural rubber from North Sumatra was hindered by prolonged rainy seasons, which impacted rubber tapping. However, the delay in implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has provided producers and exporters more time to prepare for deforestation-free certification requirements for exports to the European Union. Edy Irwansyah, Executive Secretary of Gapkindo Sumut, urged industry players to accelerate the adoption of tracking systems and certification, which would boost the competitiveness of natural rubber in the global market. Exports to Japan remained dominant, constituting 36.18% of the total, followed by the United States (19.33%), Brazil (9.96%), China (6.30%), and Canada (5.88%). Exports to European countries also increased to 6.74% in January 2025 from 6.31% in December 2024, with shipments to 10 European nations.

Source:
https://sumut.antaranews.com/berita/611985/ekspor-karet-sumut-capai-25910-ton-di-januari-2025