The International Rubber Association (IRA) was inaugurated in Ottawa, Canada, in 1971 through the cooperation of rubber associations from both producing and consuming countries. As of now, the IRA has been established for over 50 years and consists of 19 members from 12 countries. The Thai Rubber Association (TRA) is one of the initial members. With a term of 2 years, the IRA is led by 8 Management Committee members, 4 of whom are from producing countries and 4 from consuming countries. The objectives of the IRA are to formulate rubber trade practices, prepare international rubber contracts, foster international cooperation on rubber production, trade, and consumption among producing and consuming countries, collectively solve any problems related to the international rubber trade, and facilitate continuous improvement in the international rubber trade. Currently, the IRA secretariat office is located at the Thai Rubber Association (TRA) in Hat Yai, Songkhla.

The International Rubber Association (IRA) is internationally recognized for its significant role in the global rubber trade community. The Thai Rubber Association (TRA) has continuously served as a member of the IRA management committee and plays a crucial role in advancing the IRA's international recognition. The IRA holds a management committee meeting once a year. This year, the management committee meeting was held on January 25, 2025, at the Orchard Hotel in Singapore, following the RTAS Lunar New Year Dinner 2025. The TRA representatives who attended the meeting were: Mr. Veerasith Sinchareonkul, TRA President; Ms. Piyaporn SaeLim, TRA Manager; and TRA Staff. The important agenda items included: 1) The draft of the IRA Preserved Rubber Latex in Bulk (Hevea brasiliensis) International Contract, which is currently being processed; 2) Approval of the Financial Statements for 2024 and the Budget for 2025–2026; and 3) Invitation to the Natural Rubber Association of Côte d'Ivoire (APROMAC), the Philippine Rubber Industries Association, Inc. (PRIA), and the Lao Rubber Association to become IRA members. In addition, the TRA manager and staff attended the seminar on "Update on China Market, SICOM, and GPSNR" on January 24, 2025, hosted by the Rubber Trade Association of Singapore (RTAS) and Singapore Exchange (SGX/SICOM), also at the Orchard Hotel, Singapore.

On behalf of the Thai Rubber Association (TRA), I would like to thank Mr. Paul Sumade Lee, IRA Chairman, and Mr. Supadetch Ongsakul, IRA Executive Secretary, as well as the IRA secretariat, for their excellent organizational management and significant contributions to our success. I hope that the IRA will continue to play a vital role in fostering cooperation between producing and consuming countries and in advancing sustainability in the global rubber industry.

Mr. Veerasith Sinchareonkul

President

The Thai Rubber Association