Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market experienced an upswing, closing higher as a result of increasing trends in the regional rubber futures markets, largely influenced by concerns regarding rubber supply, a dealer reported. The positive sentiment in the market was also bolstered by rising crude oil prices amid ongoing United States trade negotiations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, despite the upward movement, further gains were limited by the appreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar. In early morning trade, the local currency strengthened to 4.2140/2320 against the dollar, compared to the previous day's close of 4.2255/2300.

The dealer also highlighted a warning from Thailand's meteorological agency regarding heavy rains and potential flash floods and overflows projected for July 24, 2025. This weather forecast added to concerns over adverse conditions affecting Southeast Asian rubber plantations, thereby supporting Japanese rubber futures, which had initially seen losses.

At 3 pm, data from the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) indicated that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) increased by 16 sen to reach 746.50 sen per kilogram, while latex in bulk rose by 6.5 sen to 579 sen per kilogram.