Shipping watermelons to China via the Bamao-Lweje border affected physical damage to watermelons, according to the Khwanyo Fruit Depot.
Myanmar’s watermelon export route to China shifted to the Mandalay-Shan State (North)- Kengtung-Mongla route amid trade disruption at the Muse border.
“The closure of the Muse border forced some watermelon exporters to move to the Bhamo-Lweje route. However, most of the monsoon watermelons cannot bear transport hurdles including long transport hours. If so, only watermelon of high quality should be exported,” said an official of the Khwanyo Fruit Depot.
Additionally, Myanmar’s watermelon trucks cannot directly enter China and Chinese short-haul transport service is used. Only direct trade access can facilitate the trade.
Myanmar’s watermelon is primarily exported to China. However, traders have a series of challenges amid policy changes in China, fruit traders stressed.
In early February, tight inspections of Chinese Customs hindered truck transport. Therefore, only 20-30 trucks were able to pass the checkpoint despite high demand.
Consequently, watermelons were sold out at the depots on the China side, and more than 500 trucks queued in line on the Myanmar side.
In 2021, the COVID-19 restrictions hindered Myanmar’s watermelon and muskmelon exports to China. The 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.
Traders need to contemplate delivery time, price and profitability as watermelon is a perishable fruit while trying to explore new markets beyond China. — NN/EM
