The latest rubber market report by Forbes & Walker Commodity Brokers revealed that about 51 percent of rubber plantations in Sri Lanka have been affected by the Circular Leaf Spot Disease (CLSD).

The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) allocated RM5.5 million for the implementation of several development programmes in the Kapit Division throughout this year.

The rubber industry weaves a narrative of challenges, triumphs and the delicate dance between global demand and local dynamics.

CHINA’S government said on Monday (Dec 11) it has started offering insurance for natural rubber producers, to encourage higher output and increase the country’s self sufficiency rate in producing the latex used to make tyres.

Japanese rubber futures slid on Wednesday, tracking a retreat in the Shanghai market amid concerns over weaker demand in top buyer China, and as key messages at Beijing’s agenda-setting meeting failed to meet investors’ expectations.

Japanese rubber futures took a breather on Tuesday after a sharp jump in the previous session, with a firmer yen making assets denominated by the currency less affordable for overseas buyers.

Kenanga Research has downgraded the glove sector to “underweight” (from neutral), and said while players had returned to the black, their tepid profitability will not support the current valuations.

Oil rose on Friday after Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the world’s biggest producers, called for further reductions in output in the coming months.