Myanmar exported more than 600,000 tons of rice in 2023-2024 FY, which is less than nearly half compared with same period last year, according to Ministry of Commerce.
According to the statistics (draft) obtained till April 1 to October 13, 2023-2024, Myanmar earned US$ 138.247 million from the export of rice and broken rice of 270,226.461 tonns to foreign countries. Myanmar earned US$ 107.867 million from the export of broken rice of 265,281.650 tonns. Myanmar earned a total of US$ 246.114 million from the export of rice and broken rice of 535,508.111 tonns.
In the same period last year, Myanmar earned US$ 211.411 million from export of 570,583.250 tonns of rice, and US$ 131.805 million from export of 402753.550 tonns of broken rice. Myanmar earned a total of US$ 343.216 million from a total export of 973336.800 tonns of rice and broken rice.
Compared with the same period last year, it was found that US$ 73.164 million from the export of 300356.789 tonns of rice, and US$ 23.938 million from the export of 137,471.900 tonns of broken rice were less exported.
Due to the recent clashes in northern Shan State, border trade was suspended and export of rice took place via maritime route to China according to U Ye Min Aung, Chairman of Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) held at the news brief on November 25.
“Border trade export was currently suspended due to situations in northern Shan State. However, we exported rice to China via maritime route. At present, neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Phillippines and the EU countries bought rice and broken rice from Myanmar,” said Chairman of MRF U Ye Min Aung.
Compared with the rice prices in Thai, India, Vietnam and Pakistan, rice price in Myanmar is higher than these countries, he said.
According to the foreign currency policy of 50:50, the price of export has risen, he added. In the open season such as November, December, January and February, coordination has been made to increase the sale of rice. It is expected to export 2 million tons of rice to foreign countries annually.
Concerning the situation in which Myanmar may experience in exporting Myanmar agricultural products to China, because of Muse border situation, he said that export of rice and broken rice from border trade after 2020 was very few. In the past, border trade was nearly 30 percent to 40 percent. In recent years, border trade export was lesser than the previous years. Export of fruits, such as watermelon, mango, and vegetables may experience difficult situations, he said.
