A Study on the Coping Strategies of Taiwan's Smes Facing the Fluctuation of Rubber Raw Material Prices: A Case Study of Five Local Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

This study investigates how five representative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan's rubber industry manage operational risks associated with the volatility of international raw material prices. Using a qualitative multiple case study method and semi-structured interviews, this research examines strategic practices such as diversified sourcing, flexible procurement, risk forecasting mechanisms, and business transformation. The objectives are to understand the coping strategies adopted during price surges and how firms build resilience through innovation and cooperation. The findings contribute to both academic discourse and practical policymaking, offering suggestions to enhance the overall risk resistance and sustainability of the industry. This study focuses on five representatives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan that operate in the rubber application field, exploring how they manage operational risks in the context of international raw material price fluctuations through strategic management, resource allocation, and market mechanisms. Through qualitative research and case interviews, this study finds that enterprises can establish resilient systems through diversified sourcing, flexible procurement, price forecasting, and transformation upgrades. The contribution of this research lies in supplementing the practical approaches of SMEs in high-risk environments and providing policy and industry-level suggestions, which are expected to enhance the overall risk resistance capability and sustainable operation of the industry.