Rubber Futures Climb Toward 2017 Highs

2026-04-21 09:16 By Kyrie Dichosa 1 min. read

Rubber futures climbed to around 205 US cents per kilogram in late April, moving back toward 2017 highs, partly supported by steady demand from key consumer China.

This was reflected in a year-on-year increase in capacity utilisation among sampled semi-steel and all-steel tyre producers, according to Chinese broker Longzhong Information.

Meanwhile, elevated oil prices provided additional support as markets awaited developments ahead of the upcoming expiration of the two-week US–Iran ceasefire.

Natural rubber prices are closely linked to crude oil, as higher oil prices increase production costs for synthetic rubber, making natural rubber relatively more attractive in comparison.

Still, gains may be capped by expectations of rising supply as the tapping season approaches.



News Stream
Rubber Futures Climb Toward 2017 Highs
Rubber futures climbed to around 205 US cents per kilogram in late April, moving back toward 2017 highs, partly supported by steady demand from key consumer China. This was reflected in a year-on-year increase in capacity utilisation among sampled semi-steel and all-steel tyre producers, according to Chinese broker Longzhong Information. Meanwhile, elevated oil prices provided additional support as markets awaited developments ahead of the upcoming expiration of the two-week US–Iran ceasefire. Natural rubber prices are closely linked to crude oil, as higher oil prices increase production costs for synthetic rubber, making natural rubber relatively more attractive in comparison. Still, gains may be capped by expectations of rising supply as the tapping season approaches.
2026-04-21
Rubber Futures Retreat
Rubber futures fell to around 203 US cents per kilogram in mid-April, retreating from 2017 highs, weighed down by expectations of rising supply as the tapping season resumed. Additional pressure came from easing oil prices, driven by prospects of renewed US–Iran negotiations, which lowered synthetic rubber production costs and reduced the relative attractiveness of natural rubber. However, losses were partly cushioned by supply-side disruptions in China, where tapping in the key producing region of Hainan was delayed by a heat wave, temporarily tightening availability. On the demand side, China’s car sales fell more than 17% in Q1 after the removal of tax incentives, dampening tire production and natural rubber consumption from the world’s largest consumer.
2026-04-14
Rubber Futures Near 2017-Highs
Rubber futures rose above 206 US cents per kilogram, approaching levels not seen since early 2017, partly supported by rising oil prices amid the Middle East fragile ceasefire and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices increase synthetic rubber costs, which makes natural rubber relatively more attractive, often boosting its demand. Further supporting prices, raw material supply in leading Southeast Asian countries remains constrained due to the seasonal low-production “wintering” period between February and May. During this phase, trees shed their leaves and undergo a resting phase, which substantially affects latex production.
2026-04-09