Myanmar Monthly Business Brief, May 2026

Finance

FE market rate stabled; Gold Prices Fluctuate

The kyat value was as same as K4,297 per US dollar on average at market selling rate in May in compared to April. The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) intervened throughout the month, selling millions of US dollars, yuan, and baht to stabilize the exchange rate and support imports of essential goods. CBM injected and auctioned amount US dollars 216 million in May, into the edible oil, fuel, and CMP sectors.

16 Peye Gold price was declined throughout the month at 10.1 million kyats per tickle for selling on 31 May.  Domestic fuel prices were declining to K 4,550-4,620 per litre in Octane and K 4,595-5,550 in diesel at end of May.

Trade

Permit EV Imports in Exchange for Deregistered Vintage Vehicles

The National-Level Leading Committee on the Development of Electric Vehicles and Related Industries announced that arrangements are underway to allow the replacement of older, inefficient vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs).

The initiative aims to curb public fuel wastage, reduce traffic accidents caused by weakened vehicle integrity, and minimize environmental damage from excessive exhaust emissions. Under this scheme, owners can import one suitable EV by voluntarily or systematically deregistering classic or unserviceable vehicles. Eligible categories include:

• Vehicles over 20 years old from the year of manufacture.
• Vehicles deemed beyond repair for safe driving.
• Vehicles under 20 years old that are voluntarily deregistered by their owners.

To apply, owners must submit the official Vehicle Deregistration Certificate Form (d) issued by the Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD). Following scrutiny and approval by the Leading Committee, the Central Bank of Myanmar will sell the necessary foreign currency for the EV import at an appropriate exchange rate.

Investment

MAGDPL to Invest Over US$3.7 Mln in 25,000-Tonne Storage Facilities at Thilawa SEZ

Myanma Agricultural & General Development Public Co Ltd (MAGDPL), a company listed on the Pre-Listing Board (PLB) of the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX), will construct three modern storage facilities with a combined capacity of 25,000 tonnes for pulses, corn, and sesame seeds in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone for US$3.7 million. Currently, the MAGDPL began constructing a facility at plot No 29 in the Thilawa SEZ on 4 April 2025, with the approval of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), and completed the project on 7 March 2026.

The warehouses cover 82,500 square feet and can store tens of thousands of tonnes of pulses, corn, and sesame seeds intended for export without compromising quality. In addition, the MAGDPL will construct three modern warehouses, each measuring 550 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 34 feet high, with a total floor area of 82,500 square feet, at an estimate cost of approximately US$3.713 million.

Energy

Myanmar Boosts Power Supply by 10M Units to Meet Peak Summer Demand

During April and May 2026, the period of peak electricity consumption in Myanmar, daily power distribution to townships nationwide was increased by approximately 10 million units, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE). MOEE announced on 21 May that nationwide power distribution, which previously stood at 59.4 million units daily, has now been raised to 70 million units.

According to the ministry, because electricity consumption increases significantly during hot weather, power is being managed through scheduled load reductions on a rotating regional basis. As a result, when power is restored, simultaneous usage by the public causes starting loads to surge, leading to blackouts. Additionally, temporary power outages are also caused by strong winds and landslides.

MOEE is currently providing uninterrupted, 24-hour power supply to public hospitals, critical government departments, liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered industrial zones, and commercial businesses, while allocating more electricity to the general public on weekends. According to data released by MOEE, power distribution for the peak consumption months of April and May this year has increased significantly compared to the same period in 2025.

Tourism

Yangon to hold International Travel Expo in Jun

An International Travel Expo will be grandly held on 13-14 June at Sedona Hotel, Yangon to help attract more foreign tourists from overseas during Myanmar’s upcoming open-season travel period and to support the revival of the country’s tourism industry, according to the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association.

The expo is being organized as part of efforts to restore international tourist arrivals, which declined after the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to promote Myanmar’s ancient cultural heritage, traditional customs, natural beauty, beaches, traditional cuisine, cultural attire, biodiversity, rare wildlife, and rare plant species for visitors to explore and enjoy.

At the International Travel Expo, the tourism promotion activities will be carried out to attract more visitors from Europe, Asia, and some Southeast Asian countries. It is also an opportunity to show the world that tourists can travel peacefully and happily in Myanmar. And, Business-to-Business activities will also be included. At a time when the government is implementing tourism promotion initiatives, the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association is proud and delighted to cooperate with the government in promoting Myanmar tourism. We are especially grateful to the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture and relevant departments for their support in organizing the event successfully.

The expo will include travel companies from China, Russia, India, Spain, France, Egypt, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, Bhutan, and other countries. Myanmar’s tourism promotion will mainly highlight destinations such as Bagan, Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Inlay Lake, Ngwehsaung Beach, and other tourist attractions.

The event will feature exhibitions on local and international tourist destinations, tourism-related discussions, airlines, hotels, banks and life insurance services, medical and healthcare services, domestic and international tourism business booths, and startup exhibition booths.