The Ministry of Commerce has announced that cement imports will be permitted through maritime routes and the Kawthaung Border Trade Post starting from the last week of January 2025.
As the country enters the dry season, construction activities are accelerating nationwide, leading to a higher demand for domestic cement. To meet this growing need and support local cement production, authorities have decided to allow imports through both border and maritime channels.
According to the Ministry of Commerce citing the Customs Department, Myanmar has imported varying amounts of cement over the years: 2017-2018: 1,169,150 tons, valued at $92.66 million, 2018 (Mini Budget): 361,735 tons, valued at $29.072 million, 2018-2019: 745,442 tons, valued at $59.696 million, 2019-2020: 936,450 tons, valued at $69.665 million, 2020-2021: 1,073,900 tons, valued at $81.975 million (Corrected previous typo), 2021-2022 (Mini Budget): 207,933 tons, valued at $17.86 million, 2022-2023: 373,456 tons, valued at $32.045 million, 2023-2024: 189,347 tons, valued at $16.252 million, 2024-2025 (April 1 - May 17): 1,9778 tons, valued at $1.577 million.
The new import policy aims to ensure sufficient cement supply for Myanmar’s growing construction sector while maintaining a balance with domestic production.
