Rubber futures remain subdued as trade volumes decline

Tokyo – Natural rubber futures remained subdued last week amid renewed speculative selling across major markets.

All major Far East markets closed the week ended 18 April lower compared to the week before, while overall trading volume declined, said Japan Exchange Group (JPX) 21 April.

Market participants, said JPX, “grew cautious about selling at already depressed price levels.”

In Osaka, Japan, OSE September-2025 contract dropped 2.3% week-on-week, in light trading.

Here, despite the low-price levels, traders ‘remained cautious due to prevailing market uncertainties,’ said the JPX report.

In Shanghai, China, SHFE and INE futures declined by 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively.

In Singapore, SICOM’s active July delivery contract also dropped 1.9%, during a week of shortened trading days.

“The recent sharp downturn in prices has left many traders hesitant, with a noticeable reluctance to take on large positions,” JPX said.