Indonesia sees rubber exports up 7-8 percent

Jakarta  (december 19, 2010) : indonesia's rubber association said on thursday it sawrubber exports rising 7-8 percent in 2011 from 2.4 million tonnes this year, in line with its forecast for production growth next year, though it said weather anomalies could hurt supply.
indonesia revised up its forecast for 2010 rubber output to 2.8 million tonnes and association gapkindo said earlier this week it also expected rubber production to grow 7-8 percent next year. higher supply from indonesia, the world's second-largest producer, could ease pressure on asian rubber prices, which hit a record in tokyo earlier this week.
"weather anomalies will still give an impact, negative or positive, and we hope for a positive impact," said suharto honggokusumo, executive director of gapkindo. the la nina weather anomaly caused unusually heavy rains this year in indonesia, including during the usual dry season, hitting output of many commodities. the association also based its optimism on expectations that producers would seek to meet higher demand next year as tyre makers expand production. car sales have hit a record high in indonesia this year, though growth next year will slow.

(Source: http://www.brecorder.com/news/agriculture-and-allied/world/1135294:indonesia-sees-rubber-exports-up-7-8-percent.html?hl=rubber)