Myanmar’s exports of animal products between 1 October and 2 February in the current financial year touched US$243.3 million, a sharp increase compared with the corresponding period in the 2017-2018FY, when income from livestock trade was registered below $26 million.
Animal products exports are mainly driven by the private sector, with income from the public sector amounting to less than $1 million.
At present, cattle exports to China are on the decline owing to suspension of trade in the Chinese New Year, said Mandalay cattle exporters.
Only some companies, which had made purchase agreements in advance, traded in recent days. Most export companies have suspended trading. The demand this year is seen higher than last year. A large cow is selling for over Ks2 million, while a small one is priced below K2 million.
Livestock trade was allowed in late 2017, and exports are expected to rise. Myanmar is exploring new export markets for cattle.
The exported cattle are above five years old with vaccination certificates, health certificates, and farming registration certificates. According to the 2018 cattle census, there is a total of 11.5 million herds of cattle in the country. An increase in export value of the animal products group can help reduce trade deficit. — Ko Htet
