Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market eased today, following weaker regional rubber futures markets, a dealer said. She indicated that market sentiment remained subdued amid concerns over global economic uncertainties owing to brewing trade war and geopolitical tensions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, further losses in the market were capped by optimism over potential tariff relief from the United States. Japanese rubber futures saw a decline on Tuesday, influenced by a stronger yen and an improved supply outlook. However, the potential relief from US automobile-related tariffs helped mitigate the decrease.

The dealer noted that rubber production areas in Yunnan, China, have entered the harvesting phase, while overseas production areas are preparing to begin trial harvesting soon. Despite this, market players are exercising caution as Donald Trump’s administration considers imposing potential tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports.

The dealer added that Trump was contemplating a modification to the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on foreign automobile and auto parts imports from Mexico, Canada, and other regions. As of 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 fell by 9.5 sen to 757.5 sen per kilogramme (kg), while latex in bulk was down by four sen to 654.5 sen per kg.