RUBBER-Japan futures post weekly gains as tariff concerns ease

SINGAPORE, May 2 (Reuters) -

• Japanese rubber futures rose for a fourth session on Friday and posted a weekly gain, supported by a weaker yen and signs of progress in Washington's trade talks with top consumer China.

• The Osaka Exchange (OSE) rubber contract for October delivery JRUc6, 0#2JRU: closed up 2.9 yen, or 0.99%, at 296.9 yen ($2.04) per kg. The contract gained 2.63% this week.

• Beijing is "evaluating" an offer from Washington to hold talks over U.S. President Donald Trump's crippling tariffs, China's Commerce Ministry said, signalling a potential de-escalation in the trade war that has roiled global markets.

• Oil prices climbed after China said it was open for talks with the United States on tariffs. O/R

• Natural rubber often takes direction from oil prices as it competes for market share with synthetic rubber, which is made from crude oil.

• The dollar traded at 145.17 yen JPY=EBS, after earlier touching 145.91, the strongest since April 10. USD/

• A weaker currency makes yen-denominated assets more affordable to overseas buyers. FRX/

• Meanwhile, top rubber producer Thailand's meteorological agency warned of heavy rains and flash floods in the South from May 2-5.

• The front-month rubber contract on Singapore Exchange's SICOM platform for May delivery STFc1 last traded at 168.2 U.S. cents per kg, up 1%.

• China's financial markets are closed from May 1-5 for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Tuesday, May 6.

• Japan's financial markets are closed from May 5-6 for a public holiday. Trading will resume Wednesday, May 7.

($1 = 145.2500 yen)