Rubber is a commodity futures contract traded on exchanges like TOCOM and SHFE, representing natural rubber used in tires and industrial products.
Description: Natural rubber is a key agricultural commodity derived from the latex of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). It is primarily used in the production of tires, which accounts for about 70% of global demand, as well as in conveyor belts, hoses, and medical gloves. Major producers include Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rubber futures are traded on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE), providing price discovery and hedging for manufacturers and traders. The market is influenced by weather conditions, crude oil prices (as synthetic rubber substitutes), and automotive industry trends.
Established / Launched: 1952
Founder / Issuer: Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM)