Myanmar watermelon export to China raises its head

December 06

 

Myanmar’s watermelon export to China through Muse border post is on the rise, according to Muse fruit traders.

 

The prevailing prices per kilogramme stood at 1-1.8 Yuan for watermelon 855 variety, 2.2 Yuan for Taiwan watermelon, 2.2 Yuan for seedless watermelon and 2.5-3.5 Yuan for muskmelon.

 

The ease of lockdown in some big cities in China prompted traders to get into business again so Myanmar’s watermelon market has become active again, traders said.

 

Myanmar’s watermelon and muskmelon are underpriced owing to China’s lockdown spurred by COVID cases. Consequently, the trade was slow-moving, stressed the traders.

 

Approximately 40 truckloads of watermelons and muskmelons are daily sent to China at the present time.

 

At present, Myanmar’s watermelons are mainly shipped to China. In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus at the border, China imposed lockdowns in some areas, resulting in additional costs. Furthermore, the prices are extremely lower than last year’s rate.

 

Last year, the COVID-19 restrictions hindered Myanmar’s watermelon and muskmelon exports to China. Chinese Customs Regulation increased delay. Long delays of trucks caused harm to watermelon quality and only one in five trucks heading to China remained undamaged with quality watermelons.

 

The traders are observing delivery time, price and profitability as they are perishable fruit, while they are trying to explore new markets in addition to China.

 

On 1 April, Nantaw and Sinphyu border posts were suspended in the wake of COVID-19 impacts. China has closed down the major border crossing Mang Wein from 30 March 2021 following the COVID-19 cases in Myanmar.

 

On 8 July 2021, the two-remaining cross-border posts Kyinsankyawt and Panseng were suspended. As a result of this, the border trade between Myanmar and China was completely halted.

 

Among Sino-Myanmar border posts, the Kyinsankyawt border resumed operations on 26 November on a trial run.

 

At present, Myanmar daily delivers rice, broken rice, rubber, various beans and pulses, fishery products, chilli pepper and other food commodities to China through Kyinsankyawt by 70 trucks and building materials, electrical appliances, household goods and industrial raw materials are imported into the country by 30 trucks. — NN/EMM