SMR 20 Hits New 2026 High At Close On Firmer Regional Futures, Oil Prices

By Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) closed higher today to hit a new high in 2026, supported by firmer regional rubber futures and stronger crude oil prices, a dealer said.

He said market sentiment was also lifted by steady Chinese demand amid concerns over tight supply.

“Japanese rubber futures rose for a second day, supported by stronger Thai prices, firmer oil, and gains in Asian equities.

“Oil prices climbed further amid stalled United States-Iran talks and continued trade restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz,” he told Bernama.

The dealer also highlighted reports of tighter supply in Thailand and Vietnam due to heat-disrupted tapping, alongside steady demand from Chinese tyre factories, which continued to support prices.

“However, gains were limited by lingering uncertainty over the West Asia conflict and dwindling expectations of the US interest rate cuts,” he added.

At 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the price of SMR 20 rose by 11 sen to 845 sen per kilogramme (kg) while latex in bulk was down by one sen to 758.5 sen per kg.

-- BERNAMA