Text tabled : A7-0060/2012

  Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), in writing. – (IT) In the past few years, major price rises and high volatility have impacted a number of commodities, including natural rubber. Analysis has demonstrated that at the origin of these developments are: rising demand, particularly from China; constrained short-term supply; few rubber trees planted; and heavy rains in the major producing countries. These factors combined have placed the global supply of rubber under pressure. Greater transparency in rubber markets is therefore required. This vote strengthens the International Rubber Study Group, which is the most appropriate body to ensure fair, predictable and affordable access to rubber all around the world. Every effort should also be made to increase the membership of the group by engaging with the principal rubber producing and consuming countries.