Two million tons of rice and broken rice to be exported this year
Myanmar has planned to export two million tons of rice and broken rice this year, according to Advisor U Myo Thu of Myanmar Trade Promotion Board (Nay Pyi Taw).
Although export volumes of rice and broken rice from Myanmar have dropped since the 2019-2020 fiscal year, it is expected that the country will be able to export two million tons of rice and broken rice this year.
“We already exported 1.6 million tons of rice and broken rice as of last month. The export volume will rise to two million tons in September this year,” he said.
At present, rice exporting countries are not able to export rice as much as before due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Moreover, there were difficulties in exporting rice in July and August due to heavy rains. Although Myanmar relies on border gates for rice exports, the gates have not been reopened and has to shift the focus on maritime trade.
Shipping charges have also risen as rice bugs are common currently.
As Myanmar usually exports 2.5 million tons of rice and broken rice every year, the export volume this year has dropped by 500,000 tons. It is expected that rice export volume will increase next year when the situation returns to normal.
Myanmar exports rice and broken rice to China, Thailand and European countries but attempts are being made to export rice and broken rice to African countries through commercial counsellors.