Indonesian Natural Rubber SIR20 Export: Complete Buyer Guide
Indonesian Natural Rubber SIR20 — internationally classified as Technically Specified Natural Rubber Grade 20 (TSNR 20) — is one of the world's most traded industrial raw materials, sourced by tire manufacturers, industrial rubber goods producers, and latex processing facilities across China, the United States, Germany, India, South Korea, and Japan. Indonesia is the world's second-largest natural rubber producer, with vast plantation areas across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Java delivering consistent, high-volume supply of SIR20-grade rubber to international buyers year-round.
For procurement managers, rubber traders, and industrial manufacturers seeking a reliable, competitively priced, and technically compliant source of natural rubber, Indonesian SIR20 offers a compelling combination of quality consistency, established export infrastructure, and direct-from-producer pricing. This guide covers everything you need to know before placing your first bulk order — from technical specifications and pricing to container logistics, certifications, and the step-by-step ordering process.
What is SIR20 Natural Rubber and Why Does the Grade Matter?
SIR (Standard Indonesian Rubber) is Indonesia's national grading system for technically specified natural rubber, established in alignment with international TSNR (Technically Specified Natural Rubber) standards. The number "20" in SIR20 refers to the maximum allowable dirt content of 0.20% by weight — the key technical parameter that distinguishes this grade from higher-purity grades such as SIR10 (max 0.10% dirt) and SIR3L/3CV (max 0.03% dirt, used in specialty applications).
SIR20 is the most widely traded grade of Indonesian natural rubber globally, precisely because it represents the optimal balance between technical performance and cost. For the tire manufacturing industry — which accounts for approximately 70% of global natural rubber consumption — SIR20 meets all technical requirements for standard tire production while offering lower cost than higher-purity grades. Industrial rubber goods manufacturers producing conveyor belts, hoses, gaskets, seals, and vibration mounts also specify SIR20 as their standard raw material input.
Indonesian SIR20 Technical Specifications
Indonesian SIR20 is produced and certified in compliance with SNI (Standar Nasional Indonesia) 06-1903 and the international TSNR specification framework. The following table outlines the full technical specification for SIR20 as exported by Indonesian producers and verified by accredited rubber testing laboratories.
| Technical Parameter | SIR20 Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Content (max) | 0.20% | ISO 249 |
| Ash Content (max) | 1.00% | ISO 247 |
| Nitrogen Content (max) | 0.60% | ISO 1656 |
| Volatile Matter (max) | 0.80% | ISO 248 |
| Plasticity Retention Index (PRI, min) | 40 | ISO 2930 |
| Mooney Viscosity ML(1+4) 100°C | Reported | ISO 289-1 |
| Dry Rubber Content (DRC, min) | 99% | ISO 248 |
| Bale Weight | 33.3 kg ± 0.5 kg | — |
| Bale Wrapping | Polyethylene film | — |
| Color | Brown to dark brown | Visual |
The Plasticity Retention Index (PRI) is one of the most commercially significant parameters for rubber processors, as it indicates the rubber's resistance to oxidative degradation during storage and processing. Indonesian SIR20 with a PRI of 40 or above is widely accepted by tire and industrial rubber manufacturers as the standard minimum for compound quality. Buyers who require higher PRI values (above 60) for specialty applications should request a higher-grade SIR10 or SIR3L specification.
Indonesian Natural Rubber Pricing & Market Overview 2025
Natural rubber prices are among the most globally sensitive commodity prices, influenced by weather conditions in Southeast Asian producing countries, crude oil prices (which affect synthetic rubber competition), automotive industry production volumes, and currency fluctuations in the USD/IDR exchange rate. Understanding these drivers helps procurement teams time their purchases more strategically and build cost-effective annual rubber sourcing plans.
Current FOB Price from Indonesia
As of 2025, the indicative FOB price for Indonesian SIR20 natural rubber is approximately USD 2.10 per kg from Palembang (South Sumatra) or Pontianak (West Kalimantan) export points. Prices are typically quoted per metric ton (MT) in international rubber trading, equivalent to approximately USD 2,100 per MT FOB. Indonesian SIR20 pricing tracks closely with the SICOM (Singapore Commodity Exchange) RSS3 futures price, adjusted for grade differential and origin premium or discount.
Price Comparison by Origin
| Origin Country | SIR20/TSR20 (FOB/kg) | Volume Availability | Transit to China (Qingdao) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | $2.10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high | 7–12 days |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand (STR20) | $1.85–2.05 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high | 5–9 days |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia (SMR20) | $1.95–2.10 | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | 6–10 days |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam (SVR20) | $1.80–1.95 | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | 5–8 days |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo | $1.75–1.90 | ⭐⭐ Limited | 25–35 days |
Price Factors for Natural Rubber
Natural rubber prices are highly correlated with global automotive production volumes — when car and truck manufacturing accelerates, tire demand rises and rubber prices follow. Weather events in Sumatra and Kalimantan (particularly the La Niña wet season pattern from November to March) can disrupt tapping cycles and temporarily tighten supply. The Chinese market — which consumes approximately 40% of global natural rubber production — has an outsized influence on global SIR20 pricing. Buyers sourcing rubber for annual supply contracts are advised to monitor SICOM futures prices and consider forward contracts with Indonesian exporters to lock in favorable pricing during periods of soft demand.
Container Capacity & Logistics for SIR20 Rubber
SIR20 natural rubber is packaged in standardized 33.3 kg polyethylene-wrapped bales, which are then stacked on wooden pallets for container loading. This standardized bale format facilitates efficient container utilization and simplifies weight calculation for freight and import duty purposes.
| Container Size | Net Weight (MT) | Bale Count | Packaging | Est. FOB Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 20–22 MT | ~600–660 bales | 33.3 kg PE-wrapped bale, palletized | ~USD 38,000–41,800 |
| 40ft Standard | 22–25 MT | ~660–750 bales | 33.3 kg PE-wrapped bale, palletized | ~USD 41,800–47,500 |
| 40ft HC | 24–27 MT | ~720–810 bales | 33.3 kg PE-wrapped bale, palletized | ~USD 45,600–51,300 |
SIR20 natural rubber must be shipped in dry containers with adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup on bale surfaces during transit. In high-humidity shipping lanes (particularly Asia-Pacific routes), buyers and freight forwarders are advised to use desiccant packs inside containers to maintain bale surface quality during ocean transit.
Key Markets for Indonesian SIR20 Rubber
China (Primary Destination)
China is by far the largest importer of Indonesian SIR20, accounting for the majority of Indonesian rubber export volume. Chinese tire manufacturers — including Bridgestone, Michelin, and domestic producers — and industrial rubber goods factories in Shandong, Guangdong, and Jiangsu provinces are major buyers. Indonesian rubber enters China primarily through Qingdao, Shanghai, and Tianjin ports. Transit time from Palembang or Pontianak to Chinese ports is 7–12 days, one of the shortest transit routes for any major rubber-producing country.
United States & Europe
US and European tire manufacturers source Indonesian SIR20 directly through commodity traders and established rubber trading houses. Key US import ports for natural rubber are Houston and Los Angeles. European buyers primarily import through Rotterdam and Hamburg. Buyers in these markets typically require full technical test reports (dirt, ash, nitrogen, PRI, Mooney Viscosity) from accredited rubber testing laboratories as part of the quality assurance protocol.
India
India is a significant and growing importer of Indonesian SIR20, driven by its rapidly expanding domestic tire manufacturing industry. Indian rubber processors import SIR20 to supplement domestic natural rubber supply, which is insufficient to meet growing industrial demand. Indonesian SIR20 enters India primarily through Chennai and Mumbai ports, with a transit time of approximately 10–14 days from Indonesian export ports.
Export Documents for Indonesian Natural Rubber SIR20
- SIR Certificate (Technical Specification Certificate) — Issued by an accredited rubber testing laboratory in Indonesia, confirming SIR20 grade compliance against all technical parameters (dirt, ash, nitrogen, volatile matter, PRI).
- Certificate of Origin (COO) — Issued by KADIN Indonesia, required for preferential duty treatment and trade statistics.
- Quality Certificate / Certificate of Analysis — Full technical test report from accredited laboratory (typically PT. Riset Perkebunan Nusantara or SGS Indonesia).
- Weight Certificate — Issued by a certified weighbridge or independent surveyor at the loading port, confirming net weight per container.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — Issued by the shipping line upon loading at Palembang, Pontianak, or Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) export points.
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List — Detailing bale count, gross weight, net weight per bale, container seal number, and FOB value.
- Phytosanitary Certificate — Required for certain destination countries for processed rubber products.
How to Order Indonesian SIR20 from Global Spice Trade
- Submit Your Inquiry — Contact our team via WhatsApp or the contact form. Specify your required volume (MT or number of containers), delivery schedule, destination port, and incoterm (FOB/CIF/CFR). Include any specific technical requirements (minimum PRI, Mooney Viscosity range).
- Receive Quotation — We respond within 24 hours with current FOB price (aligned with SICOM benchmark), container loading plan, estimated freight, and lead time.
- Technical Sample — A 1–2 kg rubber sample from the production lot can be provided for your laboratory to run independent technical verification. Courier cost covered by buyer.
- Order Confirmation & Contract — Proforma Invoice and Sales Contract issued. Payment: 50% T/T deposit, 50% balance against shipping documents.
- Production & Loading — Lead time 14–21 days. Pre-shipment SIR Certificate from accredited laboratory provided before container sealing.
- Documentation Delivery — Full document set (B/L, COO, SIR Certificate, Weight Certificate) couriered within 3–5 days of vessel departure.
Ready to Source Indonesian Natural Rubber SIR20?
Contact our export team for a current FOB price quotation. We supply SIR20 to tire manufacturers, rubber goods producers, and commodity traders in China, USA, Europe, and India.
Request a Rubber SIR20 Quote via WhatsApp →Frequently Asked Questions — Indonesian Natural Rubber SIR20
What is SIR20 natural rubber and how is it different from other grades?
SIR20 (Standard Indonesian Rubber Grade 20) is technically specified natural rubber with a maximum dirt content of 0.20%, ash content of 1.00%, and minimum PRI of 40. It is the most widely traded grade of Indonesian natural rubber and the standard raw material for tire manufacturing and general industrial rubber goods. Higher-purity grades such as SIR10 (0.10% max dirt) and SIR3L (0.03% max dirt) are used in specialty rubber applications requiring tighter technical specifications. SIR20 offers the best balance of technical performance and cost for most industrial rubber applications.
What is the minimum order quantity for Indonesian SIR20 rubber?
Our minimum order quantity is 1 x 20ft container, which holds approximately 20–22 metric tons of SIR20 rubber (approximately 600–660 bales at 33.3 kg per bale, palletized). For buyers with larger volume requirements, we can supply multiple containers per shipment with consolidated documentation.
What is the current FOB price for Indonesian SIR20?
The indicative FOB price for Indonesian SIR20 is approximately USD 2.10 per kg (USD 2,100 per MT) as of 2025. Natural rubber prices fluctuate with SICOM futures, so current market prices may differ. Please contact our team for a firm current quotation tied to the prevailing SICOM benchmark on your requested delivery date.
Which Indonesian ports does SIR20 rubber ship from?
Indonesian SIR20 ships primarily from Palembang (South Sumatra) — the largest rubber export port in Indonesia — and from Pontianak (West Kalimantan) for Kalimantan-origin rubber. Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) is also used for consolidated shipments. Transit time from Palembang to Qingdao (China) is approximately 7–12 days; to Singapore transshipment hub is 2–4 days; to Rotterdam is approximately 20–24 days.
What quality tests are included in the SIR Certificate?
The SIR Certificate (Technical Specification Certificate) issued by an accredited Indonesian rubber testing laboratory covers: dirt content (ISO 249), ash content (ISO 247), nitrogen content (ISO 1656), volatile matter (ISO 248), and Plasticity Retention Index — PRI (ISO 2930). Mooney Viscosity (ISO 289-1) is reported as an additional parameter. Certificates are issued per production lot before container loading, and copies are provided to the buyer as part of the shipping document package.
What is the HS Code for natural rubber SIR20 from Indonesia?
The HS Code for technically specified natural rubber (including SIR20/TSNR20) from Indonesia is 4001.22 — covering technically specified natural rubber (TSNR). This is the standard classification used for import duty calculation in China, the USA, EU member states, and India. Always confirm the applicable import duty rate in your destination country with your customs broker before finalizing your landed cost calculation.
Can I request a specific Mooney Viscosity range for SIR20?
Standard SIR20 has Mooney Viscosity reported but not controlled. If your rubber compounding process requires a specific ML(1+4) 100°C range (for example, 60–80 MU), we recommend specifying SIR3CV (Constant Viscosity grade), which is produced with a controlled viscosity range. Please indicate your Mooney Viscosity requirement when submitting your inquiry and we will confirm availability and pricing for CV-grade rubber.
No comments