Rubber Prices Today, February 18, 2025: Fluctuating Trends

Global rubber prices showed mixed trends on February 18, 2025. Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) prices for March and May 2025 contracts saw slight increases, while Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) prices for the same periods decreased. Concerns about shrinking natural rubber supply, potentially due to weather in Thailand, are supporting the market. Meanwhile, ZC Rubber, a major tire manufacturer in China, received approval for its IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, aiming to raise funds for tire projects. Domestically, Vietnamese rubber prices remained stable, with latex prices hovering around 434 - 440 VND/TSC. Major companies like Mang Yang, Ba Ria, and Phu Rieng maintained similar prices compared to the previous day. Vietnam's January 2025 rubber export volume decreased compared to December 2024 and January 2024, but the value saw a slight year-on-year increase due to higher prices. Despite a potential cool-down, rubber prices are expected to stay elevated due to limited supply as the tapping season ends and trees enter a period of leaf change.