April 4
THE value of border trade through Myawady between Myanmar and Thailand dramatically soared to US$1.256 billion between 1 October and 25 March in the past mini-budget period 2021-2022, indicating a sharp increase of $573 million as against a-year ago period, according to the statistics released by the Customs Department.
The trade through Myawady border stood at over $682.97 million in the corresponding period of last FY2020- 2021.
At present, the recent changes in import policy inflated the commodity prices. Starting from the 1 May of the current financial year 2022-2023, the food products and commodity prices are no longer exempt from import licence. Additionally, the appreciation of Thai baht is another reason of the price rise, said a trader involved in Myawady cross-border trade.
Myanmar ships tonnes of corns to Thailand through Myawady border. Thailand gives green light to corn imports through Mae Sot under zero tariff (with Form-D), between 1 February and 31 August. Myanmar exported approximately 1.6 million tonnes of corn were delivered to Thailand in the FY 2020-2021. There are seven border posts between Myanmar and Thailand, Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, Htikhee, Myeik, Mawtaung and Meisei. Majority of the border trade with Thailand is conducted via Myawady border post.
Myanmar primarily exports corn, natural gas, fishery products, coal, tin concentrate (SN 71.58 per cent), coconut (fresh and dry), beans, and bamboo shoots to Thailand. It imports capital goods such as machinery, raw industrial goods such as cement and fertilizers, consumer goods such as cosmetics and food products from the neighboring country.—KK/ GNLM
