Rubber prices across Asian exchanges—including Japan and China—recorded a slight increase on August 17, supported by improving global demand. However, the outlook for Japan’s rubber market remains uncertain as the world’s third-largest economy struggles with rising COVID-19 infections.
At the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM), rubber for August 2021 delivery on the Osaka Exchange traded at 214.0 Yen/kg, up 2.5 Yen from the previous session.
The September 2021 contract reached 215.6 Yen/kg (up 1.3 Yen), while the October 2021 contract rose 1.2 Yen to 219.6 Yen/kg.
On the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE), rubber for August 2021 delivery held steady at 13,430 CNY/ton.
The September contract climbed 70 CNY to 13,730 CNY/ton, and the October contract gained 75 CNY to 13,825 CNY/ton.
Thailand’s natural rubber export structure shifted notably in the first half of 2021, with exports to Japan increasing, while shipments to China, Malaysia, and the United States declined.
Rubber prices in the Asian market have rebounded as demand from China, India, the U.S., and Europe improves amid global economic recovery. Meanwhile, supply remains constrained due to COVID-19 disruptions in major producing countries and widespread logistics bottlenecks.
However, the Delta variant’s spread across Southeast Asia and expectations of higher natural rubber supply in July–August 2021 may exert downward pressure in the coming months.
Japan’s rubber market remains volatile as the country faces another wave of infections. Although Japan’s economy expanded faster than expected in Q2 2021, analysts expect modest growth in Q3 2021, as state-of-emergency restrictions continue to curb consumer spending.
The Japanese government is expected to extend emergency measures in Tokyo and several other prefectures until mid-September.
In Vietnam, raw latex prices have remained relatively stable since early August.
According to surveys, rubber latex is being purchased at 300–315 VND per degree in Binh Phuoc, while Phu Rieng Rubber Co., Ltd. lists its price at 325 VND per degree.
In Dak Lak, the price of fresh cup latex ranges from 16,000–18,000 VND/kg, depending on quality.