Natural rubber production declined 15 per cent in September to 51,000 tonnes and so did the imports, which fell 24 per cent to 32,933 tonnes from a year ago.

Natural rubber consumption too dropped to 84,500 tonnes in the said month, from 86,280 tonnes in the year—ago period.

“Production of NR (natural rubber) for September 2015 decreased 15 per cent to 51,000 tonnes compared with 60,000 tonnes in September 2014,” Rubber Board said in a statement.

Imports slumped to 32,933 tonnes last month, from 43,674 tonnes in September 2014.

In April—September of the current fiscal, natural rubber production fell 15.4 per cent to 2.81 lakh tonnes, from 3.32 lakh tonnes a year earlier.

Consumption declined 2 per cent to 5,01,535 tonnes in the first 6 months, from 5,11,565 tonnes in the year—ago period.

In the same period, imports too fell to 2,13,184 tonnes, from 2,36,640 tonnes.

However, exports grew to 208 tonnes in April—September, from 192 tonnes in the same period a year ago.