Myanmar’s high-quality GW-11 rice is commanding a record price in the Philippines as demand for the variety continues to rise, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).

Myanmar has exported more than 800,000 tonnes of rice to overseas markets between April and August this year, with the Philippines emerging as a major buyer of GW-11 rice. Myanmar is reportedly receiving the highest price among countries supplying GW-11 rice to the Philippines.

Vietnam and Thailand also export rice to the Philippines, but buyers are showing a stronger preference for Myanmar’s GW-11 variety because of its seed quality rather than milling technology, said U Sai Kyaw, a member of the MRF Management Committee.

“More than 800,000 tonnes have been exported to the Philippines in the past four months due to strong demand for GW-11. Myanmar is receiving a record-high price compared with other rice-exporting countries,” he said.

Myanmar is currently receiving about US$580 per tonne for GW-11 rice exported to the Philippines, compared with around US$480 per tonne received by Thailand.

The Philippines, which is preparing to purchase up to five million tonnes of rice, has continued buying Myanmar’s GW-11 rice. The variety was initially exported to China in 2024 and began entering the Philippine market in 2026, where it has since gained popularity.

GW-11 rice from Ayeyawady Region initially fetched moderate prices when exports to the Philippines began. However, growing demand has recently pushed up prices, with GW-11 produced in Mandalay Region also receiving stronger prices.

The MRF said the increased demand highlights the need to expand dedicated GW-11 cultivation in other regions while maintaining the variety’s quality. Broken rice from Myanmar has also been exported in significant volumes, with Belgium among the major destinations.