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1) Our Understanding of Your Publication and Its Focus

We appreciate your organization’s efforts to shed light on risks associated with the rapid expansion of rubber plantations in the Mekong region and the potential impacts on Indigenous communities and the environment—particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. We have carefully reviewed the matters raised. As a member of GPSNR, we conduct risk‑based due diligence across our supply chain in accordance with our Sustainable Natural Rubber (SNR) Policy (August 2021), which reflects the GPSNR Policy Framework, and our Procurement Guidelines (8th Edition, July 2024).

2) Clarification of Our Sourcing Footprint

To avoid any misunderstanding, we wish to clarify our sourcing posture for the countries highlighted in your report:

- Cambodia: We have had no purchases of natural rubber in recent years.

- Laos / Myanmar: We have never purchased natural rubber from either country.

- Vietnam: Our purchases are extremely limited.

3) Safeguards for Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples

Respect for human rights—including the rights of Indigenous Peoples—is embedded in our governance. The Sumitomo Rubber Group Human Rights Policy (as disclosed in our Human Rights Report 2025) outlines our management framework, human rights due diligence, grievance mechanisms, and employee training in line with the UN Guiding Principles. In procurement, we require suppliers to prohibit land grabbing, forced or child labor, and discrimination, and to respect the rights of local and Indigenous communities. If human rights risks are identified, we will request corrective action from the supplier and, in addition, engage in constructive dialogue and provide support for improvement, while considering appropriate responses based on the situation.

4) Traceability and Compliance Measures (Targeted to Identified Risks)

To better identify and mitigate upstream risks of the kind discussed in your report, we have been preparing to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in close cooperation with processors and industry stakeholders since 2024.