Upcoming Trade Shows in China for Rubber

China, the world’s largest processor and consumer of natural rubber, is experiencing significant shifts in its rubber industry due to evolving global regulations and fluctuating market conditions. The European Union’s (EU) newly introduced deforestation law is set to reshape China’s rubber supply chain, which will drastically alter the operations of producers, processors, and exporters. The EU has implemented stringent regulations prohibiting the import and export of products associated with deforestation, which includes natural rubber. This means that Chinese rubber producers who wish to sell to EU companies must now ensure full traceability of their supply chains. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires companies to conduct due diligence, verify sourcing locations, and mitigate environmental risks. For China, which cultivates approximately 1.2 million hectares of rubber plantations—90% of which are concentrated in Hainan and Yunnan—this presents a logistical and compliance challenge. Over 80% of China’s rubber plantations are managed by smallholder farmers who may lack the resources or technical knowledge to meet the EUDR’s stringent requirements. Rubber processors, who buy raw materials from farmers, play a key role in ensuring compliance. Many of these processors are controlled by tire-making companies and act as intermediaries between smallholders and international markets. If they fail to gather the necessary data or conduct proper risk assessments, they could lose access to major EU clients. To remain competitive, players across China’s rubber industry need to collaborate closely with smallholders, invest in traceability technology, and work with organizations like Preferred by Nature, which is helping industry players align with EU requirements. Technical training and capacity-building initiatives will be crucial to ensuring continued access to the European market. Beyond regulatory pressures, the Chinese rubber industry is also grappling with unpredictable market fluctuations. Over the past decade, the price of natural rubber in China has seen a downward trend since peaking in 2012.