"This Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in South Sagaing Region. It provides township-level data on market functionality, activity, supply, and logistics. Data were collected through observation and KIIs with retailers during April 21-29, 2024. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Security remained poor in three of five markets monitored, but operations continued uninterupted; Yinmarbin and Ye-U market activity grew further, but other markets saw little change in market traffic; Supply worsened in Monywa and Yinmarbin, but other markets saw fairly decent and reliable supply; Supply of NFIs and vegetables worsened slightly in April, although supply of essential foods was stable; Shipping costs rose in April and lead-times grew as more retailers reported transportation challenges; Retailers reported greater challenges this month than last, especially related to shipping and supply. Regional Overview Market Functionality - Despite poor security, market functions were largely unchanged in April. Security worsened in/around the Yinmarbin village market, and observers described three of five markets monitored as "unsafe." Yet markets remained open and there were no reports of new damage or closures. Market Activity - Customer and retailer activity was mostly stable but grew a bit in Ye-U and Yinmarbin. Ye-U and Yinmarbin markets saw modest growth in customer and retailer activity in April, and Yinmarbin recieved new customers from surrounding areas. However there was little change in market activity in Shwebo, Monywa, and Myaung markets. Availability of Goods - Supply worsened in Monywa and Yinmarbin in April, but it was stable elsewhere. Supply of NFIs worsened in Monywa, and supply of various goods worsened in Yinmarbin. All product categories except essential foods saw supply decline somewhat, and household NFIs were down most. Fuel and medicines remained most scarce, although phone top-ups, shelter items, and rice were said to be scarce in some markets. Transport & Logistics - Shipping costs rose in April, and lead-times grew longer in some markets. Retailers reported rising shipping costs in three of five markets monitored in April (Monywa, Shwebo, Ye-U), and two of these saw supply lead-times grow (Monywa, Ye-U). However supply routes and lead-times otherwise appeared to be mostly unaffected by rising transportation costs in April. Retailer Challenges - Retail challenges grew in April, and transportation was especially difficult. Retailers in the Monywa and Myaung markets continued to report relatively few business-related challenges, but Shwebo, Yinmarbin, and Ye-U retailers reported more challenges in April than in March. Transportation was most troubling, likey due to rising shipping costs and lead-times. Supply-related challenges also grew in April, while difficulties related to cash access, safety, and demand were emphasized by some retailers as well..."