Sino-Myanmar trade at the Muse border checkpoint is yet to return to normal as the export of goods through the gate has almost come to a halt after recent clashes between ethnic armed groups and the Tatmadaw shut off the main trade route between Myanmar and China.
About 500 trucks with goods imported from China have entered the Muse 105-mile zone in Northern Shan State, however, hardly any trucks from Myanmar have headed out to China with goods for export.
The fighting between the AA, MNDAA, and TNLA armed groups and the Tatmadaw troops since 15 August has posed a threat to road safety and security on the Mandalay-Muse route, which is a major trading route between Myanmar and China. As a result, the outflow of goods meant for export to China through Muse has become rare, and only trucks carrying imports from China are entering the gate. So far, only a small number of trucks loaded with eels and crabs have been sent to China through the Muse gate.
“Goods are stranded at the Muse trade zone. This is a loss for us. Merchants are suffering on account of this. The truck drivers will run out of money soon. Moreover, some goods are perishable. Closure of the main trading route can cause more problems,” said truck driver U Myint Naing.
Truck driver Myat Thein Kyaw from the Palaung ethnic community said: “We have carried China goods and also paid duties. However, we cannot move anywhere to deliver them. Thanks to CSOs and charity groups, I do not need to worry about food. Frankly, I do not want any fighting, and neither do I support the fighters. It (closure of trade route) is like blocking the bloodstream of the country. That can hinder the business development of the country.”
“This incident is harming Sino-Myanmar border trade. All the stakeholders in the entire trade chain, including depot owners, businessmen, merchants, workers, truck drivers, and many others are suffering on account of this,” he added.
At present, although a small shipment of eels and crabs from Myanmar merchants has flowed to China through the Muse gate, goods meant for export have piled up at the gate. Customs and other trade department officials have prepared the necessary documents and are keeping them ready to get started with transportation across border gate once the route is reopened fully. — Thant Zin
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
