Myanmar’s corn kernel prices are experiencing a significant increase in the domestic market due to rising demand from foreign countries, including India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Despite the end of the zero-tariff period previously granted by Thailand, Myanmar’s largest corn buyer, the price of corn continues its upward trend, with forecasts suggesting further increases.
In the domestic market, the price of corn kernels rose from 1,350 Kyats per viss (approximately 1.6 kg) in October to 1,550 Kyats per viss in November. By December 23, the price had surged to 1,670 Kyats per viss.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a Chinese company has shown interest in purchasing non-genetically modified (non-GMO) corn produced in Myanmar, further intensifying competition for the crop.
According to the Myanmar Corn Industry Association (MCIA), the country exported around 1.7 million tonnes of corn in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, which runs until March 31, 2025. The FOB (freight on board) price for Myanmar corn kernels is currently between US$255 and US$265 per tonne, contributing to Myanmar’s annual earnings of approximately US$700 million from corn exports.
Myanmar primarily exports corn via maritime routes, although some cross-border trade occurs through the Tachilek border trade post in Shan State (East). In terms of agricultural exports, pulses and beans lead the pack in foreign exchange earnings, followed by rice and corn in second and third place, respectively.
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