By K. Naveen Prabu
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher today, extending its upward trend amid gains in regional rubber futures, a trader said.
She said market sentiment was further bolstered by tightening natural rubber supply.
“According to the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries, output in Thailand is expected to remain flat in 2026,” the dealer told Bernama.
Renewed optimism over a potential de-escalation in the United States (US)-Iran conflict also contributed to the trend, she said.
It was reported that the US was seeking a month-long ceasefire in its conflict with Iran, while mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan were working to arrange talks between US and Iranian officials by Thursday.
However, the dealer said the upside momentum was tempered by declines in crude oil prices.
“Oil prices sank on Wednesday after reports that the US had sent Iran a 15-point proposal aimed at ending the war in West Asia, raising prospects of a ceasefire that could ease supply disruptions in the region,” she said.
At the time of writing, Brent crude oil fell 5.66 per cent to US$98.58 per barrel.
At 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 increased 13.5 sen to 788 sen per kilogramme (kg) while latex in bulk rose four sen to 682 sen per kg.
-- BERNAMA
