Myanmar migrant workers continue to return home due to the shutdown of plants and factories in Ruili and Kyalkhaung on China-Myanmar border in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in China. 

Exports of watermelon, sweet melon and other items to China have dwindled. 

U Thaung Tun from the social organization in Muse said: “There are inflows and outflows of Myanmar workers as some shops and plants have resumed their operations. There are road closures in China. We conduct thermal screening on the persons at three border gates. White Elephant, Manwaing and Nandaw Gates receive the average arrivals of around 10,000 people a day. The number of those who will return home is expected to be higher than the current figures in recent days.”

On 15 February, 88 Myanmar workers from Pakokku, Yesagyo, Sagaing, Monywa and Natmark returned to Myanmar from Masi of China. 

On 1 February, Myanmar exported around 23 trucks loaded with watermelon and sweet melon, at Muse-105th mile border trade zone. On 15 February, 118 trucks loaded with watermelon and sweet melon were exported to China. Most fruit merchants expect that the dwindling fruit market will likely  bounce back soon.