The world production of natural rubber (NR) is recorded at 954,000 tonnes while world consumption amounted to 1.288 million tonnes during March 2022. While the tight supply of raw material may be expected in the coming months as most producing countries entering to off-tapping season, the NR market remains positive.

BEIJING, April 23 (Reuters) - The economy of Shanghai, China's most populous city, slowed in the first quarter from the end of 2021, hurt by rare declines in industrial output and retail sales that were hammered by the country's most serious COVID outbreak.

SINGAPORE, April 25 (Reuters) - Asian stocks fell the most in two weeks on Monday as concern about rapid U.S. rate rises and slowing growth rattled investors, while the euro found support after Emmanuel Macron won a second term as French president.

TOKYO, April 25 (Reuters) - Oil prices extended losses on Monday amid persistent worries that prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai and potential U.S. rate hikes would dent global economic growth and fuel demand.

HONG KONG, April 25 (Reuters) - The euro gained a fraction in early trade on Monday following French President Emmanuel Macron's comfortable Sunday defeat of far-right rival Marine Le Pen, the outcome largely expected by markets and political analysts.

TOKYO, April 22 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co (7267.T) is planning to cut production by about 50% on two lines of one of its domestic factories in early May due to chip shortages and COVID-19 lockdowns, the company said on Thursday.