Cheng Sokhorng

A sharp rebound in international rubber prices has put workers at plantations in Cambodian back to work, and has infused the sector with a rare sense of optimism.

International rubber prices began rising in March from seven-year lows and have seen an upswing of 16 per cent since the start of April on concerns over output and expected pickup in demand from China.

Hang Sreng, director of rubber exporter Long Sreng International, said local rubber prices are responding to surging prices on foreign commodities exchanges.

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That's why they call it rubber.

Oil up = rubber up. Simple

It is the dry season. Any farmer who cares for his trees will stop cutting and let the new leaves 'firm up'.

Low supply - so prices rise and then more Thai farmers lower their long-term yield from their trees.

Price historically rises in this period.