Europe has been a major financial contributor to the Singapore-based rubber body. The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has confirmed the departure of the European Union from the list of 'member-governments' of the organization.

In a note on its website, the IRSG now lists the EU as a 'former member country as of 30 June 2026, confirming an published the month before.

The move could have a significant impact on the IRSG, particularly as the European bloc was understood to be the largest financial contributor to the Singapore-headquartered organization.

With the departure of the EU, the IRSG's list of member-governments now comprises: Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, India, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Established in 1944, the IRSG is an inter-governmental organization, with a remit to improve transparency and promote cooperation across the global rubber industry.