Japan futures steady as traders weigh firm Thai costs against easing oil
Bullish strength: 45/100
- Persistent rain in southern Thailand could increase production costs and widen price differences between Thai latex and cup lump rubber.
- Thailand's natural rubber exports fell 8% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2026, with exports to China down 24%.
Bearish strength: 55/100
- Shanghai January rubber futures declined 1.42% to 19,405 yuan per metric ton.
- Improved weather in Chinese producing areas is boosting rubber supply.
- Lower oil prices may reduce support for natural rubber relative to synthetic rubber.
- China's domestic car sales are forecast to fall to 18.5 million vehicles in 2026 from 23.7 million in 2025.
This is automated NewsSignals analysis of third-party reporting, not independent original reporting or investment advice. AI scores are not price predictions.