A 25 percent drop in the amount of rubber exported during the first half of 2010 has been offset by its surging price.

According to statistics from Cambodia Import Export Inspection and Fraud Repression unit CamControl, although only 11,665 tonnes of rubber were exported in the first six months of the year – down from 15,580 tonnes last year – the total value reached US$30.56 million, 43 percent more than the $21.43 million total for 2009.

Officials said reduced exports were linked to a drop in production from adverse climatic conditions, and the price of rubber rose due to a lack of supply.

Ly Phalla, director general of rubber department of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said: “We’ve seen the price double. This is because of the changes in the global market.”

High-quality rubber cost an average of $1,187.57 per tonne for June, close to double the $624.09 average for June last year, according to prices on the Malaysian Rubber Exchange.

Mok Kim Hong, president of Chub Rubber Plantation in Kampong Cham province, said more than half the plantation had not produced the necessary sap for rubber because of hot weather. He exported 2,000 tonnes during the first half.