India continues to rely heavily on imported synthetic rubber to meet the growing requirements of its automotive, tyre, and industrial rubber manufacturing sectors. Industry estimates indicate that approximately 48% of the country's synthetic rubber demand is fulfilled through imports, highlighting the strategic importance of global supply chains for the domestic industry.

This dependence exposes manufacturers to several external risks, including fluctuations in international prices, exchange-rate volatility, geopolitical uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions. Any interruption in global supplies or sharp movements in foreign exchange rates can significantly impact production costs for downstream manufacturers.

Industry stakeholders have therefore stressed the importance of expanding domestic synthetic rubber manufacturing capacity while simultaneously diversifying import sources. Such measures would strengthen supply security, reduce dependence on external markets, and improve the long-term resilience of India's rubber manufacturing ecosystem. As demand for specialized rubber products continues to increase, ensuring a stable supply of synthetic rubber will remain a key priority for the industry.