TOKYO: Japanese rubber futures fell on Thursday as concerns grew over slowing demand in top buyer China after a run of soft economic data, while declining automobile output due to a global chip shortage added to pressure.

The Osaka Exchange’s rubber contract for February delivery finished 1.1 yen, or 0.5%, lower at 207.5 yen ($1.9) per kg.

The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for January delivery lost 100 yuan to finish at 13,715 yuan ($2,123) per tonne.