Asian rubber markets settled lower last week as slow demand in China during April 2012 weighed on the rubber market. Meanwhile, large inventory in Japan also caused weak physical demand in the region. Moreover, falls in stocks and other commodities also dampened sentiment of the rubber market and investors' confidence.

IRCo's DCP tumbled to 355.21 US cents/kg on Friday, or fell as much as 15.92 US cents/kg, or 4.29% lower than on its initial price at 371.13 US cents/kg on Monday. Thailand RSS-3 also dropped to 378.76 US cents/kg on Friday, 1.98% lower compared with its Tuesday price (Thai rubber market closed on Monday 7 May 2012). Thai STR-20 also decreased to 359.71 US cent/kg, 2.90% lower, compared with its initial price as much as 37