Myanmar-Thai border trade drops by 23 mln as of 20 Aug

September 2

THE value of Myanmar’s bilateral trade with Thailand, the neighbouring country, has registered a decrease of US$ 23.3 million between 1 October and 20 August of the current financial year 2020-21 as against a year-ago period, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

According to the ministry report, Myanmar’s exports to Thailand reached $2.37 billion while imports hit $1.18 billion. This FY’s figures are dropped by $23 million, compared to the same period in the last FY.

During the corresponding period of the past FY2019-2020, Myanmar-Thailand border trade touched a high of $3.58 billion.

Some border checkpoints are temporarily restricted during the pandemic period. There are seven border posts between Myanmar and Thailand, Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, Hteekhee, Myeik, Mawtaung and Meisei. Except for Tachilek and Myawady, the remaining border checkpoints showed a decrease in trade this FY.

Among those trade checkpoints along the Myanmar-Thailand border, the Myawady-Mae Sot route is the most important, carrying about 70 per cent of trade between the two countries. As of 20 August, this FY, the Myawady border checkpoint topped the list with $1.65 billion for bilateral trade.

Myanmar primarily exports agriculture and livestock products, natural gas, beans, and bamboo shoots to Thailand. It imports non-alcoholic beverages, fabric and yarn, motorcycles and related parts, construction materials and food products.

Thailand is Myanmar’s second-largest trade partner and third-largest foreign investor. — ACM/GNLM