Benchmark Tokyo rubber futures rose for a third session to an eight-week high on Thursday, as investors stepped up buying on top producers' efforts to bolster prices and a climb in Shanghai futures, dealers said. The Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) rubber contract for October delivery finished 1.9 yen, or 0.9 percent, higher at 218.6 yen ($1.84) per kg.
It earlier rose to 219.7 yen, the highest since March 4. TOCOM futures, which set the tone for tyre rubber prices in Southeast Asia, have recovered about 13 percent since recent lows hit on April 9. The most-active rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for September delivery rose 305 yuan to finish at 14,470 yuan.