Natural rubber production decreased by 10.3 per cent in October 2022 (31,795 tonnes) as compared to September 2022 (35,460 tonnes). Year-on-year comparison also showed that the production of natural rubber decreased by 26.3 per cent (October 2021: 43,127 tonnes). Production of natural rubber in October 2022 for Malaysia was mainly contributed by smallholders sector (87.8%) as compared to estates sector (12.2%).
Malaysia's exports of rubber increased 0.16 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2022 to RM6.88 billion from RM6.87 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Automobile sales grew 28% year on year in November, as demand remained robust even after the festive season amid an improvement in supplies.
Economic growth in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region would likely lose steam next year amid a challenging global backdrop.
Global trade is set to reach almost $32 trillion in 2022, but its growth has turned negative during the second half of 2022, the UN Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD) said on Tuesday.
Oil prices fell in early trade on Wednesday after industry data showed a big build in U.S. crude inventories, rather than the decline forecast by analysts, reinforcing fears about weakening demand even as supply tightens.