Natural rubber hits near 10-year highs on weather, tariffs, and EU demand
Super El Niño and heavy rain cut Southeast Asian supply A 95%-likely super El Niño and heavy rain reduced Thai and Indonesian rubber output, with Indonesia possibly down 25%. This tight supply pushed prices to near 10-year highs.
Supply disruptions were a primary bullish force during the quarter.
EUDR-compliant sales divert rubber to Europe EUDR-compliant sales shifted rubber to Europe, tightening the regular market. This diversion added upward pressure on prices as available supply for other buyers shrank.
EUDR diversion was a key factor tightening the market.
US tariff exemptions and discount to synthetic boost demand US tariff exemptions for rubber gloves promised stronger demand, while natural rubber's 20% discount to synthetic encouraged switching among glove and tire makers. Chinese and Indian demand remained solid.
Demand-side boosts from tariffs and price advantage supported prices.
High prices and modest tire demand could cap gains High prices may curb buying, global tire demand grows only 1–3%, extra Ivory Coast supply could partially offset losses, and EUDR stockpiling may ease once buying slows. These factors could limit further price increases.
This counterweight shows risks that might prevent prices from rising further.