KL Rubber Mixed as Weaker Ringgit Offsets Oil Drag

Written by Sandra Leggero

Sandra Leggero has a background in financial markets, having spent more than 9 years in commodities trading for several European and Asian companies. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Pavia and specializes in emerging markets.

, | Updated: June 30, 2026

Key Moments

Kuala Lumpur rubber prices ended the session mixed, backed by strength in regional rubber futures and a softer ringgit against the US dollar.
Upside was restrained by lower crude oil prices, worries over the US economic outlook, and ongoing uncertainty around the US-Iran peace process.
SMR gained nine sen to 868 sen per kg at 3 pm, while latex-in-bulk declined 4.5 sen to 755 sen per kg.

Market Overview

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) – The Kuala Lumpur rubber market finished Tuesday on a mixed note, with a dealer citing support from firmer regional rubber futures and a marginally weaker ringgit against the US dollar.

According to the dealer, these positive drivers were not sufficient to produce broad-based gains, as the market also contended with several headwinds.

Key Drivers and Macro Influences

The dealer said that advances in rubber prices were limited by softer crude oil prices, concerns about the United States (US) economic outlook following weaker trade data, and continuing uncertainty over the US-Iran peace process.

At the same time, he pointed out that sentiment had been aided by signs of stronger manufacturing activity in China, which lifted expectations for rubber demand, along with supportive Chinese banking policies and an improved global growth view from Bank of America.

China Data and Global Growth Outlook

The dealer highlighted recent Chinese data and global projections:

“China’s manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) returned to expansion territory at 50.3 in June, while the composite PMI rose to 50.6.

“Meanwhile, Bank of America raised its global growth forecast to 3.2 per cent for 2026 following easing energy market concerns after the Iran peace agreement,” he added.