11 Feb 2025
Japanese rubber futures see sharp drop as the Yen strengthens against the dollar
Tokyo – Natural rubber futures ended the first trading week of February mixed as Chinese exchanges resumed trading following the lunar new year holidays.
In Osaka, Japan, OSE’s July-2025 rubber contract declined 5.2% week-on-week on light liquidation, reported Japan Exchange Group (JPX) 10 Feb.
Furthermore, the sharp appreciation of the Japanese yen against the US dollar may have pressured rubber prices, as expectations of further interest rate hikes weighed on market sentiment.
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, China, SHFE and INE rubber prices gained 1.0% and 0.7%, respectively, on fresh buying interest.
In Singapore, SICOM active May-2025 contract ended the week 1.7% lower compared to the week before, amid renewed speculative selling.
Overall, JPX said, rubber prices have remained “resilient” in recent weeks.
Prices, it noted, have been supported by supply concerns and expectations of stronger rubber demand.
Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs from the new US administration on major trading partners, including China, has impacted pricing trends.
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