Trade tensions and price stability: the new balance in the rubber market

💹 Rubber and latex prices: a week of stability

The natural rubber and latex market remains price-stable after several weeks of minor adjustments.
This calm comes amid a volatile global context, where logistics costs have shown a sharp decline and supply-demand movements appear temporarily balanced.

Operators believe this stability could continue as long as excess transport capacity persists and trade flows keep adjusting.
However, the situation could change quickly if geopolitical conflicts lead to new restrictions or higher energy costs.

⚓ Maritime freight: further declines amid China–U.S. tensions

Freight rates fell again this week, hitting new lows since 2023. The main reason is the renewed trade conflict between China and the United States: since October 14, Washington has imposed additional charges on Chinese vessels (whether built, operated, or owned by Chinese companies) arriving at its ports, and Beijing responded with similar measures.

The effect was immediate — traded volumes dropped, and available capacity on major maritime routes increased, driving transport prices downward.

Although part of that capacity is being redirected to other routes, analysts warn that once trade flows normalize, some Asian ports could face congestion, leading to delays and temporary increases in operating costs.