Rubber Prices Reach 10-Year Peak, Minister Orders Smuggling Crackdown

The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) reports that RSS3 rubber prices touched 97.90 baht per kilogram, the highest since 2015. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreungkit disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has directed RAOT to accelerate management of the entire para rubber system, covering production volume, market mechanisms, trade transparency, and quality and competitiveness upgrades, so farmers can sell at appropriate prices and reduce impacts from global market fluctuations.

Data from RAOT's rubber economics division shows domestic rubber prices in 2026 (BE 2569) adjusted to their highest level in a decade, since 2015 (BE 2558), through October 27, 2026. RSS3 peaked at 97.90 baht/kg, unsmoked sheets at 93.50 baht/kg, field latex at 89.95 baht/kg, and 100% cup lump at 82.17 baht/kg.

However, the ministry has ordered RAOT to monitor price trends closely, considering global rubber demand, production volume, weather, economic conditions, and international rubber market situations, coupled with proactive market management to maintain long-term price stability.

Meanwhile, the ministry is stepping up prevention of off-system rubber that could increase supply and depress farmgate prices for Thai farmers. Relevant agencies are integrated to inspect types, volumes, and transport routes of rubber. RAOT has been tasked to prepare the Smart CESS project for fiscal year 2027 (BE 2570), using GPS technology to track rubber movements and verify export fee payment data.

Simultaneously, the Royal Rainmaking Operation Center (RROC) is enforcing surveillance, inspection, and legal action from upstream to downstream. The Department of Agriculture has opened channels for tip-offs and is coordinating ministry agencies to educate farmers and rubber collectors to jointly monitor off-system rubber entering the market.

Minister Suriya stated the key goal is not merely to push rubber prices higher but to ensure farmers receive fair prices, have stable incomes, and can pursue their occupation sustainably. This requires managing volume, quality, and markets together with preventing off-system rubber that could distort competition mechanisms, and elevating Thai rubber standards to meet global market demands.

RAOT Acting Governor Sansana Suriyayothin said Q4 2026 rubber price trends are expected to remain at high levels and may rise further in some periods, due to tight global supply, coupled with volume management measures, market mechanisms, off-system rubber prevention, quality control, and government stock management.

RAOT will continuously monitor global rubber demand and volumes entering the market, while comparing Thai rubber prices with world markets monthly to inform effective management.

Additionally, RAOT is promoting farmer use of standardized coagulants, preventing wrong chemical types and adulterants that affect product quality and buyer confidence, while developing market systems for better buyer-seller access to increase farmer benefits from improved market conditions and strengthen Thailand's para rubber sector long-term.