Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) futures, which set the tone for rubber prices in Southeast Asia, edged higher on Monday, amid hopes for more economic stimulus by China, the world’s top rubber buyer, and as investors looked for bargains.

The most-active April contract of rubber on the Indian Commodity Exchange today hit a seven-month high of 13,250 rupees per 100 kg, tracking gains in benchmark contracts on Tokyo Commodity Exchange and also due to a rise in rubber prices in key spot markets

The distress could upend the traditional regional divide when Thailand votes on March 24 in an election restoring democracy after a 2014 coup. Voters in the country’s two main rubber-growing areas — the south and the northeast — are looking for fresh ideas,

The Government has yet to set the floor price for scrap rubber because it will have a huge financial impact on the country, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Firestone Natural Rubber Co which operates the world’s largest single natural rubber plantation in Liberia, said on Monday it will be laying off 13 percent of its workforce or around 800 Liberian employees.

Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) futures, which set the tone for rubber prices in Southeast Asia, rose 1 percent on Tuesday, as strong gains in global stock prices helped boost risk appetite among investors.

The tyre industry has voiced its concern over the decline in production of natural rubber in the country, as it led to a widening gap between domestic demand and supply.

Spot rubber was in a mixed mood on Monday. RSS 4 was quoted unchanged at ₹126.50 and ₹127 per kg, respectively by traders and the Rubber Board.

Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) futures, which set the tone for rubber prices in Southeast Asia, fell on Friday, marking their first weekly decline in four weeks. The benchmark Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) rubber contract for August delivery finished 1.

The world's top producers of natural rubber will curb exports by 240,000 tonnes for four months from April, they said on Wednesday, in a bid to prop up global prices for the commodity.