China's Natural Rubber Market Consolidates at High Levels

September 17, News

According to the commodity market analysis system, the Chinese natural rubber spot market has been consolidating at a high level recently (from September 8 to September 17). As of September 17, the price of natural rubber in the Chinese market was around 15,091 CNY/ton, a decrease of 2.11% from 15,416 CNY/ton on September 8. On one hand, the high prices of raw materials for natural rubber and the continued slight decline in port inventory in China have supported the natural rubber market. On the other hand, downstream buyers are replenishing their stocks based on rigid demand before the holiday, showing caution in inquiring about high-priced supplies, leading to significant resistance in market transactions. Additionally, with the expectation that the prices of raw materials for natural rubber will fall later, the price of natural rubber, after a previous surge, has now slightly declined. As of September 17, the mainstream prices for 24-year Guangken, Baodao, and Haibao whole milk rubber in the Qingdao area were between 15,000 and 15,300 CNY/ton.

As of September 17, the price of Thai adhesive was 56.20 Thai baht per kilogram, representing a 0.36% increase from the previous day's rate of 56.00 Thai baht per kilogram. Earlier in the month, natural rubber raw material markets experienced reduced production due to adverse weather conditions. However, with weather conditions improving in September, raw material supplies have begun to recover—though they remain at relatively low levels. As a result, natural rubber prices continue to stay elevated overall, providing some support for the broader market dynamics of natural rubber.

Recent (9.8~9.17) natural rubber inventories in China have continued to decrease slightly, and market sentiment has improved. As of September 14, 2025, the combined inventory volume of bonded and general trade natural rubber in Qingdao was 586,600 tons, a decrease of 5,600 tons or 0.95% from the previous period.

Recently (9.8~9.17), the downstream tire production has been generally stable, providing support for the natural rubber market. As of September 11, the semi-steel tire production of Chinese tire companies slightly increased to around 73%; in Shandong region, the all-steel tire production of tire companies slightly decreased to about 64%.

Market Forecast: Currently, high and stable prices of imported raw materials in China, coupled with steady yet orderly operations in the downstream tire industry, are providing solid support for natural rubber prices. Meanwhile, port inventories of natural rubber have slightly declined. As the peak season approaches, natural rubber prices are expected to fluctuate upward in the coming period.