France: the rubber industry is growing
According to figures released by Syndicat National du Caoutchouc et des Polymères, French production of rubber recorded a "significant" increase in 2012 compared to the previous year, reaching 850 kt, 510 kt of which destined for tyres (equivalent to 58 million units) and 340 kt for various other items.
Also in 2012, foreign sales showed exports of new tyres amounting to a total of 45 million units, compared to imports of 67 million. On the contrary, the miscellaneous rubber products segment showed a trade surplus of more than 100 million euro. More than 60% of French output is destined for export.