Bilateral trade with China hits US$5.5 billion in first half of this fiscal year

November 9, 2017

Trade value with Myanmar’s main partner China in the first half of the current fiscal year totalled US$5.5 billion, with estimated values of $2.46 billion worth of exports and $3 billion worth of imports, according to figures released by the Commerce Ministry.

Regional trade with ASEAN countries showed the largest figure, closely followed by bilateral trade with the most populous neighbouring country China. Border trade performed better than sea routes in trading with China.

Bilateral trade value with populous country China was about $10.7 billion in 2016-2017 FY, $10.9 billion in 2015-16 FY, $9.7 billion in 2014-2015 FY, $7 billion in 2013-2014 FY, $4.95 billion in 2012-2013 FY and $5 billion in 2011-2012 FY.

Between 1st April and 27th October in the current FY, values of border trade through China-Myanmar checkpoints reached $3.3 billion. However, the figure plummeted sharply compared to the same period of last year on account of a steep drop in trade at the Muse border gate.

Chinshwehaw. KengTung also had a slight decline. The remaining gates had small increases in trade.

Rice, various peas, sesame seeds, corns, vegetables and fruits, dried tea leaves, fishery products, rubber, minerals and animal products are exported to China, whereas machinery, plastic raw materials, consumer products, and electronic tools flow into Myanmar.

Ko Htet

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar