Kuala Lumpur Rubber Market Closes Higher On Regional Gains, El Niño Concerns

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher on Monday, supported by gains in regional rubber futures markets and a firmer El Niño outlook, a dealer said.

He said Japanese rubber futures rose as a stronger El Niño outlook raised supply disruption risks.

“Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast a 69 per cent chance of a historically strong El Niño during October–December 2026, raising concerns over potential weather-related supply disruptions,” he told Bernama.

However, gains were limited by weaker Chinese economic data and rising rubber inventories in China, pointing to weaker near-term demand, the dealer said.

“Rubber inventories monitored by the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose 0.9 per cent from the previous week, signalling higher stock levels.

“A slightly stronger ringgit against the US dollar and lower crude oil prices also capped further gains,” he added. 

At 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) rose by 10.5 sen to 919.5 sen per kilogramme (kg) while latex in bulk increased by two sen to 690.5 sen per kg.

-- BERNAMA