Natural rubber futures have gained across major exchanges as commodity funds and speculators appeared to build long positions. Stronger crude oil prices and the ongoing stalemate in the Middle East conflict also supported "bullish sentiment" during the week ended 24 April.

JPX also noted that the "tail end" of the wintering season in Thailand contributed to supply tightness, prompting "aggressive speculative buying" in futures markets.

According to JPX, speculative funds are estimated to have purchased more than 300,000 tonnes of rubber futures contracts across Shanghai's SHFE and INE markets during the week.

In Japan, OSE rubber's September 2026 contract settled 2.6% higher week-on-week in light trading, while SHFE and INE rubber contracts closed up 3.3% and 4.3%, respectively.

Singapore's SICOM rubber futures for July delivery ended the week 4.3% higher on fresh buying interest.

Prices closed at their highest level in two years and are likely to remain supported in the near term.