Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market is anticipated to rise in the coming week due to ongoing heavy rains in key rubber-producing regions, specifically Thailand and Malaysia, which are affecting productivity and sparking concerns about potential supply shortages.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, industry expert Denis Low highlighted that the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a storm warning for southern Thailand as heavy rains are expected, attributed to shifting monsoon patterns. In Malaysia, the Meteorological Department has also issued a thunderstorm warning for several states. The broader Southeast Asian region is undergoing an early inter-monsoon period, characterized by strong winds and continuous heavy rains that are negatively impacting rubber productivity.

Low further noted that the fluctuating crude oil prices and the volatile US dollar may also play a role in shaping market sentiment and demand. The uncertainty introduced by such volatility may prompt a cautious approach among market participants, potentially leading to a more measured trading strategy for rubber commodities.

On a weekly basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board's reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) increased by 12 sen to 748.50 sen per kilogram, while latex-in-bulk saw a slight decrease of one sen to 568 sen per kilogram.