Rubber Futures Hit Over 1-Year Highs

2026-02-26 15:35 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

Rubber futures traded near 205 US cents per kilogram, hovering close to levels last seen in December 2024, supported by seasonal supply tightness and rising demand expectations.

Buyers brace for the February–May low-production season in the key producing region of Southeast Asia, before harvesting typically ramps into late summer.

Rubber trees produce less latex during the annual ‘wintering’ season, a period when tapping is minimal due to cooler or drier conditions.

Moreover, increased rainfall in major producers like Thailand and Indonesia is reportedly reducing raw-material flows, tightening supply further.

Meanwhile, the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) said recently that global demand is set to exceed production for the sixth consecutive year in 2026, driven by stronger automotive-sector growth globally.

Global output is forecast to rise 2.4% to 15.2 million tons, while demand is expected to climb 1.7% to 15.6 million tons.



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