In April, a gathering of rubber dealers for the Rubber Traders Association of Europe was a stately affair at New College, Oxford University

WAG’s Willie Esterhuizen with Dirk Hartmann of Corrie MacColl

West African Group’s Rob MacQueen received the George Hawkins Trophy from the President of the RTAE, John Heath. Although the cup may have been ever so small, and even though it was awarded for the men’s golf competition, it did nothing to diminish the joy of the occasion

WAG supplies natural rubber from the Vizara NR plantation in Malawi, as well as other NR grades through its participation with Corrie MacColl, its principal

West African duo revel at rubber traders gathering in UK

THE trading of rubber, and specifically of natural rubber, predates dealing in most polymers and moulding materials. Although much time has gone by, the process remains largely the same, if not a bit more volatile and challenging these days. One of the bodies overseeing NR trading, the Rubber Traders Association of Europe (RTAE), hosted an event in April, where traders from around the world gathered. West African Group from South Africa was there.

The RTAE represents global traders, producers, distributors, and service providers within the natural rubber sector. Their annual event serves as a key platform for industry stakeholders to engage, share insights, and discuss the major challenges and developments impacting the global rubber market.

This year’s event was held at New College Oxford, part of Oxford University, and brought together an array of international participants.

Rob MacQueen from West African Group attended as a guest of WAG’s principal supplier, Corrie MacColl, an active member of the association.

Key themes included the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions – particularly in relation to the Persian Gulf – and the increasing importance of regulatory compliance, most notably the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). There was considerable focus on the practical implications of EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation, which requires that supply chains be completely deforestation-free), including traceability requirements, cost pressures, and the broader effect on global supply chains.

In addition to the formal discussions, the event also provided valuable opportunities for engagement and relationship-building across the industry, which remains critical in a market currently facing volatility in supply, pricing, and logistics.

A highlight of the event was the inaugural RTAE Golf Championship, where Rob MacQueen was fortunate to win the competition with a gross medal score of 76, receiving the George Hawkins Trophy. Willie Esterhuizen was his caddie on the day and apparently made a valuable contribution to the outcome.