Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian rubber market continued its decline today, influenced by the regional rubber futures markets and the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar. This downturn was further exacerbated by China’s decision to withhold additional stimulus, as noted by a market dealer.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ongoing US-China trade war has also contributed to a reduction in oil prices, negatively impacting market sentiment. However, the dealer mentioned that the losses were somewhat mitigated by optimism regarding US President Donald Trump’s auto tariff relief and the positive natural rubber demand outlook reported by the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries.

At 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board indicated that the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 had decreased by 9.0 sen to 738.50 sen per kilogram, while latex in bulk saw a reduction of 5.0 sen to 661.50 sen per kilogram.