Rubber futures climb near 2013 highs as supplies tighten

Rubber futures rose to around 241 US cents per kilogram in early September, edging back near their highest level since 2013 as supplies showed signs of tightening. Indonesia’s natural rubber exports fell 21% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, according to Qinrex, heightening concern about tighter supply from one of the world’s leading producers. El Niño, ongoing haze and forest fires are expected to further restrain Indonesian rubber output in the coming months. In Thailand, heavier rainfall is expected through mid-September, which could disrupt tapping activity and reduce latex collection.

The end of Southeast Asia’s peak tapping season in September is also expected to tighten regional supplies further. Crude oil prices continued to surge amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, lifting production costs for synthetic rubber and making natural rubber relatively more attractive as a substitute.