In 1980, the International Natural Rubber Agreement entered into force
provisionally. U.S. membership in this new body was approved overwhelmingly
by the Senate last year. The natural rubber agreement is a model of its
kind and should make a substantial contribution to a stable world market in
this key industrial commodity. It is thus an excellent example of
constructive steps to improve the operation of the world economy in ways
which can benefit the developing and industrialized countries alike. In
particular, the agreement has improved important U.S. relationships with
the major natural rubber-producing countries of Southeast Asia.