CHINA was the leading buyer of Myanmar rice with over 402,000 tonnes of rice and broken rice in the past four months of the current financial year 2025-2026 beginning 1 April, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF). Indonesia is the second largest importing country of Myanmar rice with over 89,600 tonnes, followed by the Philippines with over 89,500 tonnes, Belgium with over 78,600 tonnes, Spain with 29,800 tonnes, Senegal with 20,500 tonnes, the UK with 16,100 tonnes, Poland with over 15,200 tonnes, Madagascar with over 13,100 tonnes, Bulgaria with over 12,000 tonnes, the Netherlands with 9,900 tonnes and Italy with 900 tonnes.
Myanmar exported over 840,000 tonnes of rice to the international market during the April-July period, bagging US$290 million, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation. Myanmar exported over 142,700 tonnes of rice and broken rice worth $52 million in April, over 529,500 tonnes worth $91 million in May, over 212,400 tonnes worth $71 million in June, and 230,671 tonnes valued at $77 million in July. Rice exports mainly depend on sea trade, while only small volumes were exported to neighbouring countries via border points.
The federation aims to achieve three million tonnes of rice exports in the current FY.
Myanmar bagged over $1.129 billion from 2.48 million tonnes of rice and broken rice exports in the financial year 2024-2025 (1 April-31 March). The federation is projected to export 2.5 million tonnes of rice in the FY 2024-2025, falling short of the target.
Ministry of Commerce is working together with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, Myanmar Industries Association, Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association, Myanmar Fisheries Products Processors and Exporters Association to meet monthly export targets and facilitate exports. — NN/KK
