FOREIGN demand pushed up maize prices in the domestic market.
Myanmar’s maize is primarily exported to the Philippines, Vietnam and India through maritime trade. They are also sent to neighbouring countries via land borders.
Thailand gives the green light for maize imports under zero tariff (with Form D), between 1 February and 31 August. However, Thailand imposes a maximum tax rate of 73 per cent on maize imports to protect the rights of their growers if the maize is imported during the maize season of Thailand.
Additionally, China has been purchasing Myanmar’s maize through cross-border trade under the alternative development programme. Legitimate maize trade between Myanmar and China commenced at the end of 2022. A total of 112 Myanmar companies have been permitted for maize exports.
Myanmar shipped over two million tonnes of maize to foreign trade partners in the 2022 corn season, and the majority of them went to Thailand, according to the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association.
The corn is cultivated in Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states and Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway regions. Myanmar has three corn seasons- winter, summer and monsoon. Myanmar’s annual corn output is estimated at 2.5-3 million tonnes. — NN/KK
