Retail News CRM

Tag: march

  • Singapore Retail Sales Soar in March with Robust Online Presence and Recreational Goods Demand

    Singapore Retail Sales Soar in March with Robust Online Presence and Recreational Goods Demand

    The retail sector in Singapore experienced further growth in March, building on the momentum gained in February. The Department of Statistics reports a 3.3% year-on-year increase in retail sales for March, not counting motor vehicles, parts, and accessories. This follows a significant 11.3% surge in February.

    The estimated total value of retail sales for the period was SG$3.8 billion (US$2.98 billion), with nearly a fifth (18.9%) coming from online sales. On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail sales also saw a 3.3% increase in March compared to the preceding month.

    Performance Across Various Sectors

    The growth in March was broad-based, with most sectors recording year-on-year sales growth. Recreational goods led the way with a 13.1% increase, followed by computer and telecommunications equipment, which saw an 11.9% boost, partly attributed to higher mobile phone sales.

    Other sectors that experienced single-digit growth include watches and jewelry, apparel and footwear, cosmetics and medical goods, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

    However, not all sectors fared well. Sales of food and alcohol saw a 6% drop, department stores reported a 5.7% decrease, and furniture and household equipment sales fell by 1.9%.

    Meanwhile, food and beverage services noted a 2.3% rise in sales during March, sustaining the upward trend seen in February.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the overall retail sales growth in Singapore in March?
    The overall retail sales in Singapore grew by 3.3% year-on-year in March.

    Which sectors recorded the highest sales growth in March?
    Recreational goods and computer and telecommunications equipment sectors recorded the highest sales growth in March, with an increase of 13.1% and 11.9% respectively.

    Did all sectors experience growth in March?
    No, sales in the food and alcohol, department store, and furniture and household equipment sectors experienced declines in March.

  • Thailand’s Export Boom: Record-Breaking $35.16B Earned in March 2026 Amid Threats of Global Volatility

    Thailand’s Export Boom: Record-Breaking $35.16B Earned in March 2026 Amid Threats of Global Volatility

    Thailand’s merchandise exports experienced a surge for the 21st month in a row in March 2026, reaching a new high of US$35.16 billion, an increase of 18.7% when compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Commerce reported these figures, highlighting a significant growth compared to the 9.9% increase recorded in February. This data further underscores the crucial role of exports in boosting the Thai economy.

    Driving Factors for Growth

    This remarkable performance can largely be attributed to the strength of technology-related products, a robust global supply chain activity, and the temporary relief from certain U.S. tariff measures. Nantapong Chiralerspong, the Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), added that the recovery in global manufacturing, evident from the stable demand and new orders from international markets, also contributed to this export growth.

    Despite the positive indicators, Chiralerspong issued a word of caution. He pointed out the presence of emerging challenges, particularly the disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is starting to impact Middle Eastern markets, indicating a potential slowdown.

    Imports and Trade Deficit

    On another note, Thailand witnessed a significant rise of 35.7% in imports in March, bringing the figure to $38.50 billion. This resulted in a trade deficit of $3.34 billion. The first quarter of the year saw total exports from Thailand reaching $96.17 billion, marking an increase of 17.6%. On the other hand, imports surged by 32.4% to $105.65 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $9.48 billion.

    Future Outlook

    The Ministry of Commerce expressed concerns over the uncertain future of export prospects due to global volatility. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are driving up logistics, energy, and production costs, thereby increasing the pressure on Thailand’s export sector.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the main drivers of Thailand’s recent export growth?
    The recent export growth in Thailand can mostly be attributed to the robust sales of technology-related products, active global supply chain activity, and the temporary relaxation of certain U.S. tariff measures. The recovery in global manufacturing has also supported this growth.

    What challenges is Thailand facing in its export sector?
    Emerging challenges, including disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, are starting to impact the Middle Eastern markets, indicating a potential slowdown. Additionally, ongoing Middle East tensions are escalating logistics, energy, and production costs.

    How has the import activity been in Thailand recently?
    Thailand has seen a sharp increase in imports, rising by 35.7% in March 2026 to $38.50 billion. In the first quarter of the same year, imports surged by 32.4% to $105.65 billion.

  • Unprecedented Dip in Vietnam’s Gasoline Prices: Lowest Rate Since March Amid Falling Global Petroleum Market

    Unprecedented Dip in Vietnam’s Gasoline Prices: Lowest Rate Since March Amid Falling Global Petroleum Market

    On Thursday afternoon, gasoline prices in Vietnam plunged to their lowest levels since March 5, marking the fifth consecutive session of declines. The most commonly used fuel, RON95, dipped 0.69% to VND22,880 (US$0.87) per liter.

    Fuel Price Drops

    Biofuel E5 RON92 experienced a decline of 0.45%, bringing its price down to VND21,830 per liter. Diesel prices also fell significantly, with a decrease of 4.17% to VND26,690.

    Global Factors Influencing Prices

    The international petroleum market has been impacted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East over the past two days. The peace negotiations between the United States and Iran have made little headway, and tensions have risen in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to global fluctuations in fuel prices. Globally, the price of RON95 has increased by 0.5%, while diesel prices have dropped by 3.8%.

    Government Interventions

    In an effort to control prices, the Vietnamese government has eliminated several taxes on gasoline, including the environmental protection tax, special consumption tax, and value-added tax.

    Presently, import tariffs on petroleum and blending materials are set at 0%. However, this measure is slated to expire on April 30. The Ministry of Finance is currently proposing an extension of this tax reduction until June 30.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the current price of the most commonly used fuel, RON95, in Vietnam?
    The current price of RON95 in Vietnam is VND22,880 (US$0.87) per liter, following a decline of 0.69%.

    What global factors are currently affecting petroleum prices?
    Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are currently impacting petroleum prices.

    What measures has the Vietnamese government taken to control gasoline prices?
    To control gasoline prices, the government has abolished several taxes, including the environmental protection tax, special consumption tax, and value-added tax. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance is proposing an extension of the 0% import tariff on petroleum and blending materials until June 30.

  • AEON Your Cash awards Nissan March to lucky winner

    AEON Your Cash awards Nissan March to lucky winner

    Saranya Pipoppinyo (right), Vice President Marketing of AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited, hands over keys to a Nissan March, valued at 451,000 baht, to Suthit Saisuwan from Sisaket, the lucky winner of the grand prize from the AEON Promotion Your Cash Car Lucky Draw campaign which had run from July 1 to September 30.

    Lees ook: