Mizzima

Myanmar Maize Merchants Association said that they were doing quality upgrading of maize for market expansion of Myanmar maize export to ASEAN countries and Japan this year as they had to rely mainly on the Thailand market at present.

Currently Myanmar maize is being exported mainly to Thailand. And also Myanmar is exporting maize grown in Shan State as crop substitution in poppy-growing areas to China.

Maize is granted tax exemption from 1 February to the end of August this year by Thailand. Myanmar exported 80% of maize production in the country to Thailand and only 5% were exported to China.

The tax exemption period is not yet over at present but there are fluctuations of prices in the market because of the current situation in Thai politics and then the price of Myanmar maize is at the lowest level of the last six months.

Myanmar maize price is varying depending on the Thai market. Myanmar maize was at 1,300 Kyats per viss (approx. 1.6 Kg) in February but it fell to 1,170 Kyats per viss in the Yangon market at present.

China is buying maize at the price calculated based on the global price. Myanmar maize export to China declined as Myanmar maize price was slightly higher than the world market price.

Moreover, the regulation and restrictions imposed by China on Myanmar maize made the export decline to about 70,000 tonnes per year.

Other factors for Myanmar maize export decline are said to be the monetary policy of Myanmar, inconsistent export policy and hurdles in transport.

So, the Myanmar maize merchants are exploring new markets for their crops and they reportedly have a plan to export Myanmar maize to ASEAN countries and Japan.