Thailand has been the world's largest producer and exporter of natural rubber since 1991. In 2000, the production of rubber reached 1 million tons, and it is expected to reach 2.4 million tons in 2004. At present, more than 6 million people in the country are engaged in the production, processing and trading of rubber, accounting for nearly one-tenth of the country's population. More than 2 million hectares of rubber are planted.