19 Oct
The prices of watermelon drastically fell to 1,500-2,500 Yuan from over 4,000 Yuan per tonne amid the coronavirus crisis, said a trader from Khwar Nyo fruit depot.
Therefore, both the traders and growers are required to make an observation. The COVID-19 resurgence in Myanmar directly affected the border trade, and some truck drivers are tested positive for the coronavirus.
As China is tightening the border security to contain the spread of COVID-19, it caused the delay in trade, he said.
Regardless of large supply in Muse, some watermelons are not ripe enough to place in the market. Consequently, it hurts the market.
However, we feel lucky as the trade is not suspended, he continued.
Moreover, watermelon is currently harvested in some China provinces. About 50 trucks of watermelon daily enter Muse market, resulting in the price drop. Yet, some traders from Muse expect a reasonable price in the coming weeks.
Watermelon fetched the highest of over 4,000 Yuan per tonne this year. Then, the price sharply plummeted to 1,300 Yuan per tonne.
The Yuan exchange rate to Kyat is around K186 per Yuan in Muse border, Khwar Nyo Trading Co., Ltd stated.
At present, the prices of watermelons and muskmelons are plummeting. The delay in freight transport renders quality loss to the fruits. Additionally, the transport delay doubled the truck fare.
Earlier, trading was conducted in Muse border. The COVID-19 conditions blocked Chinese traders to come. As China has been stepping up border control measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19, the driver substitution policy has been exercised on Muse, Mang Weing and Kyalgaung border route, said chair of Muse-Namhkam Chamber of Commerce.
Myanmar exports more than 800,000 tonnes of watermelons and 150,000 tonnes of muskmelons every year.
Ko Htet ( Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
