Browse Data and Analysis

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports lower in November. Despite the contracted shipment to Bangladesh, slow demand from African countries and high domestic prices will lead to lower exports in November. Domestic prices for Emata increased in November as local traders are purchasing stock in anticipation of a lower production. Prices for Shwe Bo Pawson also remained high.

This report describes the status of Burma’s production, regulations, public attitudes, trading, and labeling requirements for genetic engineered products and the current activities for agricultural biotechnology.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports higher in October. Despite low demand from African countries, there is high demand from Bangladesh and China. Domestic prices for both Emata and Shwe Bo Pawsan declined in October as supplies from the new rice crop enter the market and the Myanmar kyat appreciated against the U.S. dollar.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports higher in September with increasing demand for Burmese rice due to India’s policies restricting rice exports. Despite larger domestic rice supplies from the new rice crop, domestic prices for both Emata and Shwe Bo Pawsan rose significantly. The depreciation of the Myanmar kyat and high production costs have continued putting upward pressure on domestic rice prices.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports lower in August due to fewer supplies in the domestic market, higher domestic prices, lower anticipated production, and changes to foreign currency policies. Domestic prices for both Emata and Shwe Bo Pawsan rose significantly.

This report reflects updates on the Food law in Section I, Food Labeling in Section II, and import procedures Section IX.

This report lists the major certificates required by Burmese government agencies for U.S. agricultural products exported to Burma. The list of certificates primarily focuses on major U.S. agricultural exports to Burma, such as soybeans and soybean meal, wheat products, distillers dried grains with solubles, meat and poultry products, fruits and vegetables, other grocery items, and seeds.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports lower in July due to reduced domestic supplies and higher domestic prices. Domestic prices for Emata remained high, while prices for Shwe Bo Pawsan rose due to lower domestic supplies.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports lower in June due to reduced supplies in the domestic market and higher domestic prices. The Burmese government continues making changes to its trade and foreign exchange rate policies that are impeding trade.

Burma’s aquaculture production and export in MY 2021/22 will remain flat as COVID-19 restrictions and the military coup continue to dampen the economy. Post anticipates lower U.S. soybean meal (SBM) and distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) exports to Burma in MY 2021/22 in line with slower aquaculture development and changes in foreign currency controls.

Post forecast Burmese rice exports lower in May due to slow business activities along with changing trade and exchange rate policies and high domestic prices. Domestic prices for Emata increased in May due to high transportation costs and a smaller domestic supply as exporters fulfilled advanced sale contracts. Domestic prices for Shwe Bo Pawsan remained unchanged.

Post forecasts that sugar cane production in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) will increase by 2 percent, to 5.3 million metric tons (MT) in the 2022/23 MY, based on good rainfall, increased available irrigation water, normal weather conditions, expanded planted area and consistent cane yields.