[12 Dec] Japan End-November Natural Rubber Stocks 4,712 Tons

Natural rubber stocks in Japan as of Nov. 30 stood at 4,712 metric tons, down from 4,721 tons Nov. 20, according to data issued Friday by the Rubber Trade Association of Japan.

Japan's natural rubber stocks had declined to historically low levels of 3,902 tons Nov. 10 and are still 53% lower than in end-May.

Natural latex stocks rose to 266 tons from 227 tons, while synthetic rubber stocks rose to 858 tons from 818 tons.

The association didn't provide any reasons for the changes.

Aggressive replenishment of stocks early last month may have led to slowdown in purchases in recent weeks, traders said.

Until late October, factories were using up existing inventories, which were cheaper than new purchases, as prices are hovering around 14-month highs.

(Source: irco.biz)