Three countries consider export curbs to stabilise rubber prices

Prices fall: A file picture showing a worker collecting latex at a plantation in Jember, Indonesia. Rubber futures in Tokyo dropped 19 this year and Thai prices fell 5.2 as concerns about a supply shortage due to floods in Thailand eased. – Reuters

BANGKOK: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are considering curbs on natural rubber exports to stabilise prices.

Excessive speculation resulted in “unfair prices” for both producers and consumers and there’s concern about recent price volatility, the International Rubber Consortium said in a statement yesterday. The group is the operating arm of the International Tripartite Rubber Council, which represents governments and exporters from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.