April average RSS3 price announced by Central Rubber Market in Songkhla stood at 53.97 Baht/kg, up 2.78 % from March due to the following factors. Rubber output was still tight for another month due to the wintering season. There was improvement in the negotiation between China and US on the trade war. PMI for China's manufacturing sector came in at 50.5 in March, up from 49.2 in February. China’s GDP expanded by 6.4% in Q1/2019. The March job numbers suggested the US economy was doing fine; unemployment remained at 3.8 percent in March, while wage growth kept its momentum, ensuring that pay was growing faster than inflation. Oil prices rose thanks to the cuts led by OPEC, US sanctions imposed on Iran and Venezuela as well as higher consumption in US and China. However, NR prices closed down in aggressive selling in China during Good Friday holiday. Final Eurozone Manufacturing PMI was at 47.5 in March, coupled with its inflation caused by higher cost of production resulting in lower production. Japan’s low rate did not incentivize production, resulting in low rubber consumption.
In March, Thailand exported 302,950 tons of natural rubber (including compound rubber), up 0.24 % from March and 8.18 % yoy, generating export income of US$ 395.58 million, up 5.98 % from February, down 2.41 % yoy. Overall, during Q1/2019, Thai NR exports (including compound rubber) reached 907,758 tons, down 2.65 % yoy. The YTD export value touched US$ 1.13 billion, down 11.28 % yoy.
In tyre sector, in March Thailand exported 11.33 million units of all tyres, down 1.54 % yoy, with the export value of US$ 475.15 million, up 13.44 % yoy. Overall, in Q1/2019 Thai exports of all tyres reached 32.03 million units, down 2.74 % yoy, generating export revenue of US$ 1.30 billion, up 10.91 % yoy.
![[Current Year]](/en/index.php/detail_member/uploadfile/thb/020230127162222.jpg?detail=situation&yearPlus=Nothing){kind=link}