Market uncertainty weighs on natural rubber futures

Tokyo – Natural rubber futures closed the week ended 3 July flat in quiet trading, according to data released by Japan Exchange Group (JPX).

“Market uncertainty and a lack of clear direction left traders largely on the sidelines,” said JPX in a 7 July trading update.

Except for the Osaka Exchange (OSE) market, trading volume declined sharply across the other three major rubber exchanges.

Open interest also fell, indicating that traders were “reducing their exposure amid uncertain conditions as prices remained within a tight range.”

In terms of supply, scattered showers were reported in Thailand and Vietnam, but there were no disruptions to tapping.

Meanwhile, concerns about weakening consumer demand due to "an expected slowdown" in vehicle sales and uncertainty over US tariffs continued to keep prices within a tight range.

In Japan, the OSE's December-2025 contract closed marginally higher in generally quiet trading while OSE Shanghai rubber for January 2026 delivery gained 0.6% week-on-week.

In Shanghai, China, both INE and SHFE futures gained marginally while Singapore’s SICOM active September-2025 contract closed down slightly in quiet trading.