ABSTRACT
Rubber trading arrangements and their interactions with technology, consumer preference and other factors are first examined in this chapter. The organizational structure of SR features substantial vertical integration, both backwards into feedstocks and forwards into end-products. The balance of NR still handled through open trading notably entails general rubber goods makers and smaller tyre manufacturers who may not need such regular supplies. In the early phase of industrialization, countries and regions import their requirements of SR and other petrochemicals. The trade figures for NR reflect the continuing dominance of exports in its evolution. Supply segmentation in NR is partly determined by local factors, including the organizational structure and development level of its production. All starting NR countries are undeveloped, commencement of NR production depends more on the conjunction of these major resources than on levels of economic activity.
