Supply concerns underpin rubber futures in mixed trading week

Tokyo — Global rubber futures ended the second trading week of February mixed, according to a 16 Feb market update by Japan Exchange Group (JPX).

In Osaka, Japan, OSE’s July 2026 contract closed 0.8% lower week-on-week, pressured by “a sharp appreciation of the Japanese yen” following prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory.

By contrast, both SHFE and INE rubber contracts moved higher in Shanghai, China during the week ended 13 Feb.

SHFE rose 1.7% week-on-week, while INE increased 1.5%, said JPX, linking the growth to “short covering and position adjustments ahead of the Lunar new year holidays.”

Chinese markets will be closed 16-23 Feb, with trading set to resume on 24 Feb, JPX noted.

In Singapore, SICOM’s active May 2026 contract closed 2.5% higher in moderate trading, supported by “fresh buying interest.”

Market sentiment was also “underpinned by expectations of an early wintering season in the Northern Hemisphere,” which could tighten raw material supply and support prices, JPX said.

SICOM will be closed from 16-18 Feb for the lunar new year holidays, JPX added.