🌿 New Brief Released on Thailand’s Natural Rubber Industry’s Response to the EU Deforestation Regulation 🌿

We are happy to announce the publication of a brief by the European Forest Institute (EFI) on Thailand’s natural rubber industry and its response to new market requirements, particularly the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Thailand, the world’s largest producer of natural rubber, produced over 4.7 million tonnes in 2022—accounting for around one-third of global rubber production. Remarkably, 90% of this rubber is produced by 1.68 million smallholders across 3.9 million hectares. This sector is crucial for Thailand's economy and the livelihoods of many rural households, with nearly 25% of agricultural households engaged in rubber production.

In response to the EUDR, Thailand is implementing significant measures to support EU operators and mitigate challenges for its farmers, traders, and processors.

The new EFI brief, developed in collaboration with the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), explores key areas such as:

📍 Mapping natural rubber production areas
📍 Registering smallholder rubber farmers
📍 Tracing natural rubber supply chains
📍 Building capacity within the sector
📍 Enhancing information-sharing practices

These initiatives aim to keep Thailand's natural rubber industry competitive and sustainable, aligning with global standards and market demands.

🔗 We invite you to read the brief and gain valuable insights into these critical developments: https://efi.int/sites/default/files/files/publication-bank/2024/Briefing%20-%20Thailand%E2%80%99s%20natural%20rubber%20producers%20are%20preparing%20for%20new%20market%20requirements.pdf