TOKYO: Japanese rubber futures fell on Monday after official data showed that machinery orders had dropped in January for the first time in four months, reflecting a hit from fresh COVID-19 restrictions in Japan.

Osaka Exchange’s rubber contract for August delivery finished 3.6, or 1.3%, lower at 272.4 yen per kg. The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for May delivery fell 1.8% to finish at 15,115 yuan per tonne.