Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market ended the week higher, fueled by the anticipation of United States-China trade discussions and rising oil prices, according to a dealer. Market sentiment was buoyed by an optimistic economic forecast in China and hopes for reduced tensions between the US and China.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the dealer noted that gains were limited by the mixed performance of regional rubber futures markets and a robust US labor market. Meanwhile, Japanese rubber futures experienced their seventh consecutive session of increases on Friday, positioning for weekly gains due to optimism surrounding the trade talks.

At 3 pm, data from the Malaysian Rubber Board indicated that the price of SMR 20 increased by 6.5 sen, reaching 756.0 sen per kilogram, while latex in bulk rose by 4.5 sen to 604.50 sen per kilogram. The Kuala Lumpur rubber market will observe a closure on May 12, 2025, for the Wesak Day public holiday and will resume operations on May 13.