According to the Myanmar Melon Producers and Exporters Association, the prices of the watermelon exported to China are continuously falling.
“Although the watermelons fetched over 7,000 Yuans per tonne at the end-November of last year, the price has currently fallen to 2,300 Yuans per tonne,” said U Naing Win, chairperson of the association. “The price of watermelon is at its lowest price. Now, the watermelon is priced only at 2,300 Yuans per tonne for the high-quality ones. At the end of November, the watermelon price rose to 7,400 Yuans per tonne. However, the price is now only 2,300 Yuans per tonne,” he added. Besides, the price of muskmelon is ranging between 3,500 and 4,000 Yuans per tonne. About 200 trucks carrying the watermelon and 50 trucks carrying the muskmelon are entering China through Muse border area.
At present, Myanmar exports its watermelons and muskmelons mainly to China. Last December, Myanmar exported 25 tonnes of seedless watermelons to the Dubai market for the first time. According to Myanmar Melon Producers and Exporters Association, Myanmar is also arranging to export more melons to Dubai and Qatar markets. According to the statement released by the Fruit Commodity Depot in Muse 105th Mile trade zone on 5 January, the number of fruit trucks will be limited to be able to control the melon market. Although Myanmar could export more watermelons and musk melons through Kyinsankyawt border post because of extended operating hours from 7 am to 8:30 pm that started 5 January, Myanmar will export the fruits limit to quantity to maintain the market.
The Fruit Commodity Depot at Muse 105th Mile trade zone announced on 5 January that the trucks would enter the exchange ground under the Fruit Commodity Depot and Truck Supervision Board management. Last year, Myanmar faced a problem in the export of melons to China because of COVID-19. So, the local growers and melon traders suffered significant losses because the exported melon price declined. Watermelons and muskmelons are grown across the country, excluding Kayah and Chin states. It can be harvested until coming May. Myanmar yearly exports over 800,000 tonnes of watermelons and about 150,000 tonnes of muskmelons to China, the association affirmed.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar