Even though Myanmar has registered higher maritime trade volumes this year compared to last, trade at the country’s borders has taken a beating owing to supply chain disruptions and stricter checks and procedures as a result of COVID-19.
Among the worst hit is Htee Khee in Tanintharyi Region, which saw trade volumes fall by more than US$390 million since the pandemic. Volumes at the border town between Myanmar and Thailand totalled US$1.6 billion up to July in the current fiscal year.
There was no trade in February, March and April, said U Ye Htut Naing, chair of the Tanintharyi Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“There were no buyers for products from Myeik and Dawei during those months,” he said, adding that prices of fisheries produced in the two coastal townships have collapsed due to the lack of demand and oversupply. Dawei exports fisheries, rubber, betel, cashew nuts and coconuts to Thailand. Trade via Myeik to India and China has also fallen.
Imports of Thai fruits and other food products via Htee Khee have also taken a hit, dropping by over 70 percent to US$40 million this year compared to last year. This is because the trade station has been open for business just once a week since June.
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