The IRSG is an intergovernmental organisation based in Singapore, established in 1944, which brings together rubber producing and consuming countries; it currently has 36 member countries. The IRSG provides a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the supply and demand for natural and synthetic rubber. The Study Group’s main purpose is to collect and publish statistics on production, consumption, trade, and economic activities related to the use of both the raw material and the products based on it.