Benchmark Tokyo rubber futures finished up 1.7 percent on Monday, above the key 200-yen level, helped by the yen's decline to a seven-year low. Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) futures, which set the tone for tyre rubber prices in Southeast Asia, rose by 4 percent in morning trade, but gave up some of the gains as Shanghai futures turned weaker after Chinese trade data raised concerns.
The Tokyo Commodity Exchange rubber contract for May delivery finished 3.3 yen higher at 200.7 yen ($2) per kg, the highest close since November 26. It earlier rose as high as 205.2, the highest since November 26. The most-active rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for May delivery fell 325 yuan to finish at 12,300 yuan per tonne after falling 3 percent minutes before the close. The front-month rubber contract on Singapore's SICOM exchange for January delivery last traded at 145.90 US cents per kg, down 1.8 cent.