KUALA LUMPUR : The Malaysian rubber market is poised for a modest rebound next week, supported by renewed optimism stemming from potential economic stimulus measures by China, according to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).
The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has forecast a 1.5% increase in global natural rubber (NR) consumption in 2025, reaching approximately 15.6 million tonnes, contributing to the improved market outlook.
“A tight supply outlook in key producing countries is likely to provide additional price support,”
a MARGMA spokesperson told Bernama.
However, the association cautioned that the lack of progress in US-China trade negotiations continues to cast a shadow over global sentiment.
“Rubber prices are expected to remain closely aligned with movements in regional rubber futures markets, alongside fluctuations in the ringgit against the US dollar and global crude oil prices,”
the spokesperson added.
Industry veteran Denis Low noted that ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly those stemming from policies under former US President Donald Trump’s administration, have contributed to volatility in the market.
“We are navigating an increasingly fluid and complex global economic landscape. Businesses must continue to remain agile in response to the evolving challenges shaped by international policy shifts,”
he said.
On a weekly basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) declined by 14.5 sen to 738.0 sen per kilogramme (kg), while latex in bulk dropped 16.5 sen to 609.0 sen per kg.
–Bernama
