Rubber futures rose to near 214 US cents per kilogram, up from recent two-month lows of $208.6 cents per kilogram, supported by short covering and rising prices of crude oil.
Because synthetic rubber is made from petroleum, higher oil prices increase its production costs, encouraging manufacturers to switch to natural rubber.
However, the upside was limited by weak demand prospects in top consumer China and signs of improving supply.
Chinese broker Gouxin Futures said the semi-steel tire segment remains under pressure as manufacturers contend with weak new-order expectations and rising inventories.
It added that some companies have begun shutting down for maintenance since early this month, reducing near-term rubber consumption.