Trade value at most of the border trade posts in Myanmar has dropped during the current financial year, according to the statistics released from the Department of Trade under the Ministry of Commerce
. Total border trade volume at the border trade posts reached $3.77 billion in a period from April 1 to October 6, resulting in $87 million year-on-year decrease when compared to the year before.
Border trade has undergone a decline at all eight major border trade posts including Muse and Myawaddy, which are the largest in terms of trading volume, in the ongoing 2017-2018 financial year.
Myanmar has entered into border trade agreements with four out of its five neighbouring countries; China, India, Thailand and Bangladesh. There are a total of 16 border trade posts in Myanmar at present. Of those, the major and most active border trade posts are Muse on the Chinese border, Myawaddy on the Thai border and Tamu on the Indian border. The other smaller border trade posts include Lwejel and Chinshwehaw which connect with China, Tachileik, Kawthaung and Myeik with Thailand, Rhi with India and Sittwe and Maungdaw with Bangladesh.
Myanmar’s export structure is largely dominated by natural resources and primary products. It mainly exports agricultural produce and oil and natural gas. Other major exports include forest products, fishery produce, mined products, clothing, rubber and raw materials. It imports consumer products, fuel, industrial machines, capital goods and other value-added products.
