The demand for watermelons and muskmelons from China is increased up to about 80 per cent since COVID-19 outbreak in China and market for 855-type of watermelons is arrived in the market, according to Kwarnyo fruit wholesale shop in Muse.

855-type of watermelons are in high demand in the market and the price is based on the quality.

The fruit exports from Myanmar lost US$50 million worth of fruits since the COVID-19 outbreak in China, according to a press conference made by Myanmar Watermelon and Muskmelon Producers and Exporters Association at Danyinkone market on February 22.

“We exported about 700 truckloads of watermelons to China daily before the COVID-19 virus and about 30 or 40 or 50 truckloads of watermelons after the COVID-19 virus. Now we are exporting over 100 truckloads of watermelons to China but we can say that the market condition is not good,” said Naing Win, Chairman of the Myanmar Watermelon and Muskmelon Producers and Exporters Association.

“According to the estimation from Muse 105-mile fruit wholesale center, we lost about US$50 million worth of fruits in the meantime. Previously, we sold about 1,000 truckloads of fruits per day in some days. Now we can only cover our expenses as there are about 100 truckloads of watermelons arrived in the market. The market situation of muskmelons is not worse but it is still not good. If more muskmelons arrive in the market, its prices may be lower,” he said.