Rubber Closes Higher On Gains In Crude Oil Prices, Supply Shortages

By Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The rubber market closed higher on Friday, supported by firmer benchmark crude oil prices and concerns over supply shortages due to wet weather disruptions in major producing countries, a dealer said. 

At the time of writing, the Brent crude oil price inched up 0.19 per cent to US$100.19 per barrel.

The dealer said market sentiment was further lifted by gains in Shanghai rubber futures, and optimism over China's export outlook ahead of the upcoming ASEAN summit.  

"However, further gains were capped by mixed United States (US) economic data, lingering geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, and continued caution over US trade policies and tariffs," she told Bernama. 

She said Japanese rubber futures extended their gains on Friday, and were set for the third consecutive weekly rise, supported by firmer Thai physical prices amid weather-related supply concerns.

At the same time, rubber prices are expected to remain supported by potential supply shortages as storms and floods threaten crops in top producer Thailand, she said.

At 3 pm, the Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 price rose by 2.5 sen to 882.50 sen per kilogramme (kg), reaching the highest level since March 26, 2025, while latex-in-bulk was up by six sen to 756 sen per kg.

-- BERNAMA