Core Insights - The natural rubber industry in Hainan has faced significant challenges due to the impact of Typhoon "Mojia" in 2024, prompting the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) to collaborate with Haiqiao Group on a "Stabilization Action" project to support rubber farmers and stabilize raw material supply [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The "Stabilization Action" project initiated by SHFE in 2019 has provided financial support of 59.9 million yuan to Haiqiao Group, helping 110,700 rubber farmers mitigate price volatility risks, with a total payout of 55.65 million yuan [2] - The project has successfully integrated financial tools with the real economy, creating a new path for supply assurance and development through financial innovation [2][7] Group 2: Challenges in the Industry - The global natural rubber market is facing challenges such as frequent abandonment of rubber tree management, adverse weather conditions, and low economic returns, with rubber yield per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) only reaching 800 to 1,000 yuan compared to much higher yields from other crops [2][3] - Typhoon "Mojia" has caused significant damage to rubber trees in Hainan, leading to a reported production of 368,600 tons in 2024, a 5.3% increase year-on-year, which could have been higher without the typhoon [3][4] Group 3: Training and Engagement - In 2024, Haiqiao Group organized around 60 training sessions for rubber farmers, reaching over 4,000 participants to enhance their understanding and participation in the "Stabilization Action" project [3][4] Group 4: Technological Innovations - Haiqiao Group has developed a "Rubber Smart Purchasing Platform" to improve market management and ensure precise fund distribution to farmers, making it the only system in China covering rubber insurance and options services [4][6] - The platform utilizes information technology for data management and ensures transparency in fund distribution, with 60% to 70% of payout amounts being advanced to farmers to maintain production motivation [6] Group 5: Financial Mechanisms - The "Stabilization Action" project has established a replicable support model that connects financial markets with agricultural production, stabilizing farmers' confidence and enhancing operational resilience for enterprises [7][8] - The project employs a "leading enterprise + over-the-counter options" model to secure stable pricing for rubber farmers, effectively transferring price risk to the futures market and creating a closed-loop risk management system [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the importance of the natural rubber industry in China and the initiatives taken by the Shanghai Futures Exchange to stabilize production and increase income for rubber farmers amid challenges such as low prices and adverse weather conditions [6][10]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Natural rubber is a strategic material widely used in various sectors including transportation, healthcare, defense, and industry [6]. - China has designated 18 million acres as natural rubber production protection zones, primarily in Hainan, Yunnan, and Guangdong, to ensure stable supply [6]. - The natural rubber price has been low in recent years, leading to significant abandonment of rubber plantations and a decline in labor participation among farmers [6][10]. Group 2: Initiatives and Impact - The Shanghai Futures Exchange, in collaboration with futures companies and leading rubber enterprises, launched the "Stabilization Action" project to support rubber farmers and enhance their income [6][9]. - In 2024, the project distributed 17.06 million yuan to farmers, significantly boosting their motivation to continue rubber tapping [6][9]. - The project has been ongoing since 2019, providing over 140 million yuan in support funds and helping farmers avoid price volatility risks [9][10]. Group 3: Farmer Experiences - Farmers like Lan Jianyuan have reported increased income due to the project, with his family earning approximately 140,000 yuan from rubber tapping in 2024, supplemented by over 8,000 yuan from the stabilization project [7][9]. - The project has also introduced training and automation initiatives to improve efficiency in rubber tapping [10]. Group 4: Production Statistics - In 2024, Hainan's rubber production reached 368,600 tons, a 5.3% increase from 2023, while Guangdong's production faced a decline due to adverse weather conditions [11][12]. - The average income increase for farmers in Guangdong due to the stabilization project was 2,857 yuan despite a decrease in overall production [12]. Group 5: Market Dynamics - China is the largest consumer and importer of natural rubber, with a consumption volume of 7.216 million tons in 2024, accounting for 46.7% of global consumption [13]. - The domestic production of natural rubber reached approximately 920,000 tons in 2024, still leaving a significant demand gap [13]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The Shanghai Futures Exchange's initiatives are crucial for the local rubber industry, especially in light of challenges such as labor shortages and natural disasters [10]. - The introduction of the Shanghai rubber futures contract in international markets is expected to enhance China's pricing power in global rubber trade [14][15].