Aug. 6 — Global natural rubber output from key growers shrinks to 5.83m mt in first seven months from yr-ago period, Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries says.
* In some countries, farmers reduce tapping as earnings not enough to cover costs, Kuala Lumpur-based producer group says in monthly report e-mailed today.
* Imports by China est. +4.2% at 4m mt this year; imports during Jan.-July +8.8% to 2.32m mt: report
* Imports by Malaysia est. -10.4% to 900,000 tons this year; imports during Jan.-July -5.2%: report
* NOTE: ANRPC members comprise 11 countries representing 93% of global supplies and ~60% of demand
