Recent Market Trends Overview
■ The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) expressed concern about the EU's planned delay in enacting the Zero Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Secretary-General Adam pointed out that the delay could prolong uncertainty in the supply chain. ETRMA called for substantial simplification of the EUDR, such as limiting due diligence obligations to the first importer to avoid burdening downstream companies.
■ The European Tire and Rubber Association urged tailored regulations for the mobility sector: The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) welcomed the European Commission's release of guidance on vehicle data access as an important step towards building a level data environment, but emphasized that specific legislation is still needed to prevent legal uncertainty and fragmented implementation by member states, ensure fair competition between automakers and service providers, and support innovation, the circular economy, and the EU's decarbonization goals.
■ The European Chemicals Agency expects to complete its PFAS feedback assessment by the end of next year: The European Chemicals Agency announced that it will launch a public consultation on the draft EU-wide restriction on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after March 2026, focusing on assessing the socioeconomic impacts of the restriction and the feasibility of alternatives. The final opinion is expected to be released by the end of the year.
■ The UK's Tire Recycling Association (TRA) and the environmental organization Fighting Dirty jointly called on the government to reform the waste tire regulatory system, pointing out the significant gap between current regulations and practice. They emphasized the need for strict enforcement to eliminate "false solutions" and create a truly sustainable circular industry.
■ Michael Klein, Chairman of the German Rubber Manufacturers' Association (WDK), noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99% of German companies, but recent policies have not fully reflected their importance. He called on the government to prioritize SMEs to jointly address industry challenges. He specifically cited ambiguities in the EU Zero Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and called for simplifying regulations to avoid burdening the supply chain. Klein urged the government to promote the adoption of the "first contact principle" in the EUDR to enhance the competitiveness of EU companies.
Industry Data
■ Major rubber futures markets generally fell in the week of September 19th, influenced by economic data such as China's August industrial output and investor adjustments before the National Day holiday. The main contracts on the Osaka, Shanghai, and Singapore exchanges fell between 1.8% and 2.5%, and trading volume shrank across the board, reflecting a shift in market sentiment towards caution after the recent rally.