Natural rubber prices on the slide

Tokyo -  Rubber futures prices have fallen on all major exchanges due to concerns over economic slowdown in China and developments elsewhere worldwide, Japan Futures Exchange has reported.

In a review of the trading week to 22 April, JPX noted rubber futures on the Osaka exchange down by almost 4% while those in Shanghai and Singapore fell by 2.2% and 4.2% respectively.

The reversals were linked to worries over the impact of lockdowns in major Chinese cities on the country’s already slowing economy - including on vehicle sales and demand for tires

Further pressure on prices stemmed from a return to full production of major natural rubber producers in Thailand after the wintering period, said JPX.

Market sentiment, it added, was also being influenced by the current direction of US economic policy and Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine.