ENA Sectors 2021-11-25 12:24:59 <p><strong>Kochi, 25 Nov (KNN)</strong> The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has said that the lower availability of natural rubber is impacting the production process during a time of high demand.</p> <p>They have reached out to the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry that the scarcity of natural rubber during a peak season in Kerala is highly unexpected which has the potential to disrupt the tyre industry value chain.</p> <p>The scarcity comes at a time when domestic production of commercial vehicles is looking up after a prolonged downturn. Truck and bus tyres have relatively higher natural rubber content, thus its demand is higher, said Rajiv Budhraja, Director General ATMA.</p> <p>As reported in Financial Express, he stated that the availability crisis is likely to throw a spanner in the works. Hence, duty free imports of natural rubber need to be allowed to the extent of projected demand supply gap in country.</p> <p>The association has also urged for the removal of restrictions pertaining to natural rubber at various ports.</p> 27738 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/tyre-manufacturers-cite-shortage-of-natural-rubber-seek-duty-free-import 2021-11-25 12:24:59 knnindia.co.in