RUBBER MARKET EASES SLIGHTLY AMID WEAKER REGIONAL FUTURES

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian rubber market eased today, following weaker regional rubber futures markets, a dealer said.

She said market sentiment remained subdued amid concerns over global economic uncertainties owing to brewing trade war and geopolitical tensions.

“Nevertheless, further losses were capped by optimism over potential tariff relief from the United States (US),” the dealer told Bernama.

On Tuesday, Japanese rubber futures declined, influenced by a stronger yen and an improved supply outlook. However, potential relief from US automobile-related tariffs helped mitigate the decrease, she said.

“It was reported that rubber production areas in Yunnan, China, have entered harvesting, while overseas production areas will begin trial harvesting soon,” the dealer said.

She noted that market players remain cautious as Donald Trump’s administration continues to pursue potential tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports.

Trump was considering a modification to the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on foreign automobile and auto parts imports from Mexico, Canada, and other places, she added.

As of 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 fell by 9.5 sen to 757.5 sen per kilogramme (kg), while latex in bulk was down by four sen to 654.5 sen per kg.

-- BERNAMA