Kuala lumpur: The rubber market is expected to experience subdued trading with a slightly lower bias in the upcoming week, following the conclusion of the wintering period, as stated by industry expert Denis Low. With the full resumption of rubber production, trading activity is likely to focus on replenishment, given that supply is adequately available.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Low mentioned that as production resumes to its full potential and supply is steady, unnecessary stocking and hoarding are inadvisable. This situation could lead to demand and prices showing a slight downward tendency. However, fluctuations in oil prices and the volatility of the US dollar might also impact rubber prices and demand.

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) commented that the rubber market outlook for the next week is expected to remain soft due to public holidays and could see sideways trading as oil prices continue to rise. The EU governments' approval of legislation to remove import duties on US goods might provide some support to market sentiment. Nonetheless, the ongoing West Asia conflict and trade tensions could weaken the economic outlook.

On a week-to-week basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board's reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) increased by 33 sen to 922 sen per kilogram, while latex-in-bulk decreased by six sen to 759 sen per kilogram. The Kuala Lumpur rubber market will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday and Wesak Day replacement holiday, with trading resuming on June 3.