Thai rubber smallholders race to meet new EU deforestation rules

Thailand’s natural rubber industry is scrambling to adapt to a new EU regulation set to take effect in 2027 that targets deforestation. With Thailand producing the majority of the world’s natural rubber and relying heavily on its 1.7 million smallholder farmers, compliance is both a logistical and economic challenge. The EU’s stringent anti-deforestation laws could significantly reshape Thailand’s rubber sector, impacting everything from local farming practices to global supply chains. This shift underscores the broader implications of international environmental policies on national economies and local livelihoods.