Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market is anticipated to experience fluctuations with a potential upward trend next week, influenced by extreme weather conditions and flooding in several countries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, industry expert Denis Low highlighted the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds across regions, which have led to crop damage and disrupted productivity. These conditions have affected specific rubber-producing areas, resulting in a temporary decline in rubber production. Low also mentioned the uncertainty caused by fluctuating tariffs, which could vary from 25 to 50 percent unexpectedly, impacting global economic and trade activities.

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) shared a similar outlook, attributing the potential upward trend in the rubber market to ongoing supply disruptions from Typhoon Kajiki in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the association noted a 5.9 percent increase in new car sales in Europe in July, reflecting steady demand in a significant consumer market. However, the prospect of trade tensions, particularly with US President Donald Trump's threat to impose new tariffs and technology export restrictions, could dampen market sentiment.

The Malaysian Rubber Board's reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) dropped by 1.0 sen to 743.50 sen per kilogram, while latex in bulk decreased by 1.5 sen to 569.50 sen per kilogram, observed on a Friday-to-Friday basis.