Myanmar ships about 6,000 tonnes of sesame seeds in Q1

The Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association reports that during the first quarter Q1 (April–June) of the current fiscal year 2025–2026, Myanmar exported over 6,000 tonnes of various types of sesame, generating US$8.1 million.

This fiscal year, the association aims to reach its 90,000-ton sesame export goal. The main destination for Myanmar’s sesame exports is China, however it is also shipped to Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar to Highlight Agro-SMEs and Gemstones at 22nd CAEXPO

Myanmar will participate as Country of Honour at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), held from 17 to 21 September in Nanning, China, showcasing around 80 booths. The country aims to promote agro-based SME products and high-quality gemstones to the Chinese market through the CAEXPO platform, according to the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization.

Myitkyina City in Kachin State will be featured as the City of Charm, highlighting regional culture and investment potential. The event also supports broader regional trade goals under the RCEP and ASEAN-China FTA 3.0. Myanmar has joined CAEXPO annually since 2005, using it as a platform to deepen China-ASEAN economic ties and boost exports.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar Backs MSMEs with Major Loan Boost and Earthquake Recovery Fund

Myanmar’s government is scaling up support for Micro-,Small-,and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those with export potential, according to Vice-Senior General Soe Win at the MSME Development Work Committee’s 2025 meeting. The government has disbursed K150 billion in low-interest loans and allocated an additional K20 billion for development initiatives. Eighteen private banks are involved in loan distribution, while steps are being taken to raise insurance-backed loan limits from K20 million to K50 million.

To aid recovery from the Mandalay earthquake, another K150 billion will be issued from the Earthquake Recovery Fund. The government is also facilitating international market linkages through commercial attachés and One-Stop Services. Over 150,000 people have completed MSME-related training across 7,000+ sessions. Emphasizing technology access and responsible borrowing, officials aim to boost resilience and market reach for local businesses. Source: The Global New Light of MyanmarMyanmar’s government is scaling up support for Micro-,Small-,and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those with export potential, according to Vice-Senior General Soe Win at the MSME Development Work Committee’s 2025 meeting. The government has disbursed K150 billion in low-interest loans and allocated an additional K20 billion for development initiatives. Eighteen private banks are involved in loan distribution, while steps are being taken to raise insurance-backed loan limits from K20 million to K50 million.

To aid recovery from the Mandalay earthquake, another K150 billion will be issued from the Earthquake Recovery Fund. The government is also facilitating international market linkages through commercial attachés and One-Stop Services. Over 150,000 people have completed MSME-related training across 7,000+ sessions. Emphasizing technology access and responsible borrowing, officials aim to boost resilience and market reach for local businesses.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar Targets $750 Million from Fishery Exports in 2025-2026

The Department of Fisheries aims to export over 530,000 tonnes of fishery products and generate US$750 million in the 2025-2026 financial year. In the first quarter (April–June), Myanmar exported 82,773 tonnes of fishery products, earning $119.6 million.Last year, the country exported over 550,000 tonnes worth $722 million.Fishery exports are sent to 40 countries, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh,and Japan, via sea and border trade.More than 20 fish species, including hilsa, rohu, catfish, and seabass, are exported.The Fisheries Department and Myanmar Fisheries Federation are working to boost export volume.There are over 140 fishery cold storage facilities, and the department is granting annual licence renewals.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar’s Fish Exports Drop in Q1 2025-2026

Myanmar exported over 55,900 metric tonnes of fish valued at US$64.2 million in the first quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year, starting 1 April, according to the Department of Fisheries. Of this, 31,700 tonnes worth $44 million were shipped by sea, while 24,200 tonnes valued at $19.89 million were exported via border trade.

Exports fell by more than 5,450 tonnes, resulting in a $5.197 million decrease from the same period last year (61,300 tonnes, $69.4 million). Myanmar gained more than $421 million in the fiscal year 2024-2025 by exporting over 400,000 tonnes of fish. More than 20 fish species are exported to over 40 countries, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Japan. The Department of Fisheries licenses more than 140 cold-storage fish processing factories annually.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Over 21,000 E-Commerce Businesses Registered in Myanmar

The Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerce has granted e-commerce registration to 21,088 online business operators between 2 October 2023 and June 2025, following ground inspections.

As per Notification 11/2024, online sellers are required to register through www.ecomreg.gov.mm. Failure to do so may lead to legal action under the Essential Supplies and Services Law.

Mandatory registration was first announced in Notification 50/2023, effective from 2 October 2023. Businesses that registered by 31 December 2023 were exempt from fees for six months. From 1 January 2024, the registration is valid for two years, with fees set at K70,000 for companies and K30,000 for individuals. SMEs with certificates benefit from a reduced rate of K50,000.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MSMEs in Quake Zones to Get CBM Loan Relief

The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) announced plans on 8 July to set up a State Reconstruction Fund and offer low-interest loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the 28 March Mandalay Earthquake.

The quake impacted businesses in regions including Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Bago, and northeastern Shan State. To aid recovery, CBM is working with the Central Committee for MSME Development and other institutions to expand loan access and improve digital payment systems.

Participating banks, including Myanmar Economic Bank and 18 private lenders, are disbursing affordable MSME loans under various programmes. CBM is also pushing for dedicated MSME departments in banks and enhancing digital transactions through platforms like CBM-NET and MMQR, launched in February 2025, to ensure faster and secure payments.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

CBM Steps Up Currency Market Interventions to Stabilize Kyat

The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has intensified its foreign exchange interventions in July 2025 to stabilize the kyat and support essential imports. On 8 July, CBM sold US$30 million to fuel oil importers and $885,100 to edible oil companies. On 7 July, it sold $1.8 million and 1.3 million yuan, followed by $1.87 million to edible oil companies and $912,150 to commodities importers. On 4 July, CBM injected $1.75 million and $481,540, alongside $578,542 and 900,000 yuan into the market. On 3 July, it sold $678,000, 1.24 million yuan, and 2.94 million baht, and over $3.346 million to edible oil companies. On 2 July, it announced a sale of 10 million yuan, and injected over $1.593 million. On 1 July, CBM pumped $33 million into the fuel sector and sold $1.15 million to edible oil companies. In June 2025, CBM sold $8.4 million, 13.9 million baht, 5.2 million yuan, and injected $14.9 million from CMP enterprises.

These measures aim to curb exchange rate volatility and currency devaluation. As of 15 March 2024, CBM is coordinating with law enforcement to tackle market manipulation. Since 5 December 2023, private banks have been permitted to trade currencies online at market rates.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar (10.7.25)

Gold and Dollar Advance as Fuel Prices Recede

On July 10, the buying rate stood at Ks 4,390 per USD, while the selling rate reached Ks 4,470 per USD. This growing difference reflects ongoing stresses on the local currency due to limited dollar availability and strong demand from importers and remittance markets.

Gold prices increased notably, with the selling price reaching Ks 7,840,000 per kyattha on July 10, while the buying price stood at Ks 7,760,000 per kyattha. This upward movement reflects sustained local demand and influences from global gold market trends.

On the other hand, fuel prices declined slightly, offering mild relief for consumers. As of July 10: Octane 92 dropped to Ks 3,015 per litre, down from Ks 3,140 the previous week. Octane 95 fell to Ks 3,075, compared to Ks 3,210 last week. Diesel prices eased to Ks 2,635 per litre, and Premium diesel declined to Ks 3,265, marking a decrease of Ks 95 to Ks 135 across the board.

Trump’s Tariff List Includes Myanmar in 14-Nation Crackdown

Myanmar faces a potential 40% U.S. tariff under President Donald Trump’s latest trade plan, part of a broader strategy targeting 14 countries. The announcement follows the expiration of a 90-day pause on aggressive import taxes. While higher tariffs were set for 9 July, Trump extended the timeline to 1 August, calling it “firm, but not 100% firm.” The move threatens Myanmar’s already fragile export sector as the country grapples with economic and political challenges. Though Trump indicated flexibility depending on diplomatic ties, analysts see the tariffs as a negotiating tool, not a finalized decision — leaving Myanmar watching closely.

Source: BBC