The physical rubber prices showed a mixed trend on Wednesday. The market opened steady but lost ground on buyer resistance following the early declines on the NMCE. A late recovery in domestic futures failed to strengthen the prices though the international markets ended on a positive note. Meanwhile ISNR 20 improved on better demand but the volumes were comparatively low.

Among other reports, Indonesia, the world's second-largest rubber producer, would increase its output by more than 20 per cent to 3.6 million tonnes by 2015, to meet rising domestic and Chinese demand in fast-growing economies.

In spot, sheet rubber moved down to Rs 228 (229) a kg according to traders. The grade finished unchanged at Rs 228 a kg both at Kottayam and Kochi as per Rubber Board.

The April series closed at Rs 230.20 (230.70), May at Rs 236 (236.38), June at Rs 241.66 (241.28) and July at Rs 242.20 (241.67) a kg for RSS 4 on the National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE).

RSS 3 (spot) increased to Rs 253.19 (251.76) a kg at Bangkok. The March futures for the grade firmed up further to ¥445 (Rs 246.73) from ¥440 a kg during the day session and then to ¥449 (Rs 248.95) in the night session on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM).

Spot rates were (Rs/kg): RSS-4: 228 (229); RSS-5: 224 (225); ungraded: 221 (222); ISNR 20: 222 (221) and latex 60 per cent: 130 (130).

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