The yen remained hunkered just below the psychologically important barrier of 145 per U.S. dollar on Monday, while the dollar was on the back foot after U.S. economic data last week showed slightly easing inflation and consumer spending.
The recovery of the Malaysian rubber glove industry remains uneven, as indicated by April's weak export data, according to RHB Research.
Malaysia, Indonesia and the European Commission (EC) have agreed to set up a joint task to enhance dialogue on supply chain traceability and transparency, in the face of the newly legislated EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that bans sale of palm oil and other commodities linked to deforestation, unless importers can show their goods were produced without damaging forests.
Vietnam on Thursday reported faster economic growth in the second quarter, driven by the services sector, despite a slump in trade that analysts say could signal a slowdown ahead.
South Korea's factory production jumped unexpectedly in May, led by cars and chips, official data showed on Friday, while retail sales and facility investment also rose in an encouraging sign for a slowly recovering economy.
Rubber farmers, entrepreneurs and exporters are being advised to swiftly adapt to various challenges, including geopolitical conflicts and environmental measures that may impact agricultural trade, as well as European Union (EU) laws regarding products and deforestation.