Rubber futures remain under pressure amid light trading

Tokyo – Natural rubber futures remained under pressure in the final trading week of April, posting week-on-week declines across all major markets.

Overall trading fell during the week ended 25 April, as market participants "grew cautious" about selling at already depressed price levels, explained Japan Exchange Group (JPX) 28 April.

In Osaka, Japan, OSE’s September delivery contract fell 2.3% week-on-week amid light trading.

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

In Singapore, SICOM’s active July delivery rubber contracts also dropped 1.9% week-on-week, amid shortened trading week.

According to JPX, "the recent sharp downturn in prices has left many traders hesitant, with a noticeable reluctance to take on large positions."

All major Far East markets have contracted sharply since late February, mainly due to instability from new US tariff policies.