The value of trade between Myanmar and China via the Muse land border as of 10 December 2021 of the current mini-budget period (October 2021-March 2022) reflected a drastic drop of US$896.4 million as against the year-ago period owing to the border trade suspension, as per the Ministry of Commerce. The value of Muse border trade touched a low of US$197.37 million over the past month amid the COVID-19 impacts. The figures plummeted from $1.09 billion recorded in the year-ago period, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
As of 10 December, Myanmar’s exports to China through the Muse land border were valued at $193 million, while imports are worth $4 million. The trade showed a slump in both exports and imports compared to the corresponding period of last year. The border posts next to Muse are Nantaw, Sinphyu, Mang Wein, Kyinsankyawt-Wamting and Panseng-Wamting posts. Earlier, China shut down all the border posts amidst the COVID-19 negative consequences. At present, some border checkpoints are operating trade activities on a trial run. Myanmar can now convey the watermelon to China by Chinese trucks when they unloaded their goods in Myanmar.
However, quality is of vital importance as Chinese authorities will not allow the fruits of inferior quality for import, the Muse fruit commodity depot stated. Additionally, China’s new Customs Regulation and mandatory quarantine process posed some hurdles in the border market. Traders cannot expect trade facilitation according to the changes in China’s policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myanmar exports agricultural products, including rice, beans and corn, and fishery products such as crab, prawn, etc. Furthermore, Myanmar’s natural gas export to China is also conducted through the Muse-Ruili border. The raw CMP materials, electrical appliances and consumer goods are imported into the country.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar