China stopped buying maize from Myanmar at Muse 105 mile Trading Zone since October 20, 2017 but the demand still exists

At the Muse 105 mile Trading Zone, the largest border gate between Myanmar and China, Chinese purchases of Myanmar-produced maize has grounded to a halt. 

“We don’t know why the Chinese have stopped buying. It happens sometimes, as even though there may have been changes to their import policies, demand still exists. We hope they will recommence purchases by the end of this month,” said U Thein Win, office staff leader at Lashio Commodity Broker. 

According to the broker, China stopped buying maize from Myanmar at the border since October 20.

Earlier this year, border trade at Muse was temporarily suspended after an armed conflict hit Myanmar’s Kokang region in northeastern Shan State. 

Last November, an offensive in Muse and nearby Kutkai township had also brought trade to a standstill when an alliance made up of soldiers from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, the Kachin Independence Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army launched an attack on military and police targets.

As a result, some exporters also switched to other border gate posts such as Chin Shwe Haw in northern Shan State instead of Muse.

Lower profits

China’s decision comes just a month after the maize harvest in northern Shan State, priced at K600 per viss. A viss is equivalent to 1.6 kilograms. Due to this year’s abundant harvest, prices have since dropped between K420 and K450 per viss at various markets in Shan State. 

So far though, farmers have been able to manage the drop in price and demand.“As this year’s production per acre had increased, the farmers have been able to avoid any losses. They are just earning less profit,” said U Aung Myint Htun, Executive Officer of Nawnghkio Maize Farmers Organisation.

This year’s harvest is better as a result of technological applications to the crop, which boosted yield to 1,000 viss per acre this year compared to 850 viss per acre last year, U Aung Myint Htun said.

From April 1 to September 13, total export value amounted to $1.7 billion at Muse, which is $114 .8 million less than the same period a year before, according to the Ministry of Commerce. 

(The Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/maize-purchases-muse-halted.html )

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