Hanoi, June 2 -- Rising geopolitical tensions and tightening supply are driving the strongest rally in global rubber prices since 2017, creating favourable conditions for Vietnam's rubber industry. However, experts say domestic exporters need to diversify markets and strengthen compliance with sustainability standards to fully capitalise on emerging opportunities. Geopolitical tensions fuel rubber price rally Rubber prices on major exchanges in Japan, Thailand and China rose between 3.3% and 7.8% during the first 20 days of May, reflecting mounting pressure on global raw material supply chains. Natural rubber prices climbed to a nine-year high in mid-May as escalating tensions between the US and Iran pushed global oil prices higher. Highe...