Rubber futures gain supported by physical demand

Tokyo – Natural rubber futures ended the third trading week of November stronger than the week before, helped, in part, by the onset of the rainy season in some producing countries.

During the week ended 21 Nov, prices were supported by stronger physical demand, with “consumers paying premiums over futures,” said Japan Exchange Group (JPX) on 24 Nov.

Seasonal year-end demand and “robust” late-October vehicle sales in China also contributed to firmer prices.

In addition, JPX said the start of the rainy season in key producing regions of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia prompted some traders to extend coverage into deferred months.

In Osaka, Japan, OSE’s April-2026 contract closed 3.3% higher week-on-week in subdued trading.

In Shanghai, China, SHFE and INE rubber futures advanced modestly by 0.6% and 0.4% respectively.

In Singapore, SICOM’s February-2026 active contract closed marginally higher, rising 0.2% compared to the week before, in “quiet, range-bound trading.”