Myanmar earned approximately US$725 million from seafood exports in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with Tanintharyi Region contributing the largest share of marine fish and prawn exports.

The region exported US$303.62 million worth of raw saltwater fish and prawns during the fiscal year. In townships including Yephyu, Kyunsu, Pulaw and Kawthoung, farmers are cultivating prawns, rockfish, giant sea perch, crabs, soft-shell crabs, ginger snails and seaweed for export.

Seafood from the region is valued in international markets for its cleanliness and freshness. Vannamei shrimp raised in the Myeik Archipelago is exported to China and Japan, with boiled shrimp shipped to China and frozen shrimp sent to Japan by sea.

According to the Secretary of the Tanintharyi Region Fisheries Federation, exporting live shrimp directly would significantly increase profits. Key export species include rock shrimp, king shrimp and Vannamei shrimp, which are well suited for live transport.

At present, live fish, shrimp and ginger snails are shipped from Myeik to Thailand and then flown to China. Although transportation costs reduce profit margins, exporters continue the trade to maintain market access.

Industry leaders say that direct live exports from Myeik Airport to China and Japan could potentially double seafood exports, create new markets and generate significantly higher foreign exchange earnings for Myanmar.