Market and product

However, volumes were up by approximately 3 percent. The rest of the growth was due to increased selling prices.

Even though prices were higher, that did not prevent more companies from descending into losses, according to a monthly report from the Chinese Rubber Industries Association (CRIA).

In the tire segment, CRIA tracks 45 of its member companies. Together, they reported production volumes up by 2.64 percent over the nine months, while revenues were up by 20.3 percent. Radial tire production was up by 5.9 percent, and now comprises 86.5 percent of all tire production.

Output of bicycle tires in China fell by just under one percent in the nine months, despite an increase of 13 percent in revenues.

In rubber products, the CRIA tracks 45 companies. Unit production at constant prices rose by 18.3 percent. Notable growth areas were in O-rings and automotive anti-vibration systems.

Carbon black output was up by 16 percent in volume and 23.5 percent in value. Export value increased by 151 percent, according to the CRIA.