Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market closed higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in regional rubber markets and steady benchmark crude oil prices. A dealer noted that sentiment was buoyed by a brighter demand outlook for natural rubber in 2025 from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC). This comes despite ongoing concerns over natural rubber supply shortages due to the rainy season and growing optimism for further Chinese stimulus.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the gains were limited by weaker Chinese economic data amid uncertainty over United States trade tariffs and interest rate cuts. Japanese rubber futures rose, tracking crude oil higher on supply concerns following heavy rain in Thailand and expectations of stronger demand from automobile manufacturers.

Oil prices also edged higher as concerns about supply disruptions mounted amid the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. At 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 increased by 9.5 sen to 753.0 sen per kilogramme, while latex in bulk gained six sen to 575.50 sen per kilogramme. The market was closed yesterday for the replacement National Day public holiday.