Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market experienced a downturn today, influenced by mixed trends in regional rubber futures markets and the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar, a dealer reported.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the local currency saw an increase in value, closing at 4.2765/2825 against the greenback, improving from Wednesday's rate of 4.3130/3185. Despite this, the decline in the rubber market was somewhat cushioned by rising crude oil prices and concerns about tightening natural rubber supply, fueled by renewed optimism over China-US trade negotiations.

Additionally, the dealer highlighted a warning from Thailand's meteorological agency about anticipated heavy rains and potential flash floods in the southern regions from May 2 to 7, which could further disrupt the rubber supply chain.

In a related development, oil prices saw an uptick on Friday, bouncing back from recent losses after China expressed openness to trade discussions, signaling possible progress in its negotiations with the United States.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Rubber Board recorded a decrease in the price of SMR 20 by 7.5 sen to 738.0 sen per kilogramme, and a drop in latex in bulk by 5.0 sen to 609.0 sen per kilogramme, as of 3 pm.