Rubber prices rose due to improved demand from China and India, but the prospect of abundant supply, particularly from Thailand, continues to put pressure on the market.

The first trading session of the week saw a significant improvement in cash flow across the commodities market, with buying pressure spreading widely. Industrial raw materials were supported by stable consumer demand, while agricultural products benefited from both supply and demand factors and weather risks. At closing, the MXV-Index rose more than 1% to 2,801 points, reflecting a clear improvement in investor sentiment.

Stable demand is driving rubber prices back up.

According to the Vietnam Commodity Exchange (MXV), the rubber market showed positive signs in the first trading session of the week, with both key commodities simultaneously increasing in price.

Specifically, the price of RSS3 rubber for June delivery rose 0.9% to $2,422 per ton, while TSR20 rubber recorded a stronger increase of over 2%, closing at $2,053 per ton. This recovery was mainly supported by stable demand in the two major markets of China and India.

China imports both natural and synthetic rubber.

In China, data from the General Administration of Customs shows that rubber imports in March reached 787,000 tons, a 3.6% increase year-on-year. Cumulative imports for the first quarter of 2026 reached 2.19 million tons, maintaining a slight growth rate. Simultaneously, industrial production continued to thrive, with tire exports reaching 2.35 million tons in the first quarter, a 5% increase, thus bolstering demand for raw rubber.

In India, demand for natural rubber continues to maintain steady growth, while domestic supply remains limited. In 2025, the country's natural rubber consumption is projected to reach nearly 1.44 million tons, a 2.6% increase year-on-year, while production is expected to be around 903,000 tons. This large supply-demand gap means the country continues to rely on imports, which helps support prices in the international market.

However, the upward trend in rubber prices is still being restrained by the prospect of abundant supply. According to forecasts from the Thai Office of Agricultural Economics , the country's rubber production in 2026 could increase by 2.2%, to over 4.94 million tons, thanks to favorable weather conditions and improved productivity.

In the domestic market, the price of liquid latex in Binh Phuoc yesterday (April 20th) increased by 5 VND/degree, fluctuating between 455-475 VND/degree, extending its upward trend for the third consecutive day. Meanwhile, the price of cup latex remained stable at 21,000-23,000 VND/kg.

Corn prices are rising due to supply and demand factors.

Buying pressure prevailed in the agricultural sector, with corn being the focal point, experiencing a technical rebound after a period of consolidation.

At the close of trading on Monday, May corn futures on the CBOT rose 0.72% to $178 per ton. According to MXV, the recovery was driven by strong consumer demand coupled with growing concerns about future supply risks.

Rubber production and planted area in Thailand.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Export Inspection Report, corn shipments last week totaled approximately 1.67 million tons, far exceeding expectations. Cumulative exports for the 2025-2026 crop year reached 51.71 million tons, a sharp 32% increase year-on-year. Strong demand from major markets such as Mexico, Japan, and South Korea continues to bolster the competitiveness of U.S. corn, pushing total export commitments to a record 72.8 million tons.

On the supply side, weather risks in South America are becoming a significant price support factor. In Brazil, the prolonged drought in the central region is forecast to continue for at least the next two weeks, directly threatening the yield of the second corn crop – the country's main export supply. Meanwhile, Argentina also faces the risk of crop damage as cold fronts and major storms arrive in the northern region.

This development forced investment funds to adjust their expectations about global supply, thereby increasing buying pressure in the futures market.

In Vietnam, corn has become the largest imported agricultural product, reflecting a clear recovery in demand for raw materials to serve domestic animal feed production.

In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam's corn imports reached 4.1 million tons, a sharp increase of 90.2% in volume and 83.4% in value compared to the same period in 2025. Brazil and Argentina continued to be the two main suppliers, accounting for nearly 80% of Vietnam's total corn import value.

Regarding prices, spot prices for South American corn at northern ports are currently maintaining around 7,250 - 7,450 VND/kg, a significant increase compared to the end of March. However, prices for forward contracts have begun to cool down, reflecting expectations of improved supply in the second half of the year.

Regarding domestically sourced corn, quoted prices in the Son La area recorded a slight decrease: bulk corn of sufficient quality at the drying facility fell to 7,400 - 7,450 VND/kg, while bagged corn with 17% moisture content decreased to 7,250 VND/kg.

Source: Vietnam.vn