Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market is expected to trade slightly higher next week due to weather uncertainties caused by climate change leading to rubber tree leaves falling, said industry expert Denis Low.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Low anticipates the uncertainties to persist until March or early April, which coincide with the period when the leaves start falling, resulting in a lower yield of latex. This phenomenon is being observed in some regions while others remain unaffected, creating uncertainty in rubber production and potentially causing volatile market movements.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association has expressed concerns over a limited natural rubber supply, which they believe will contribute to the market trading higher next week. The association noted that the price uptrend might continue as rubber production areas enter the wintering season, affecting both harvesting and supply.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board’s reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) increased by 31.0 sen to 921 sen per kilogramme, while latex in bulk saw a decline of 2.0 sen to 687 sen per kg.