Myanmar’s rice export in the financial year 2025-2026, beginning 1 April, exceeded 2.7 million tonnes, bagging US$861 million, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).
Myanmar conveyed over 142,700 tonnes ($52M) in April, over 529,00 tonnes ($90M) in May, 210,000 tonnes ($71M) in June, over 230,000 tonnes ($77M) in July, over 190,000 tonnes ($65M) in August and 168,000 tonnes ($52M) in September and 310,000 tonnes ($92M) in October, 263,815 tonnes ($76M) in November, over 331,869 tonnes ($99M) in December, 208,847 tonnes ($60M) in January, 178,191 tonnes ($55M) in February and 234,690 tonnes ($71M) in March.
Myanmar’s rice trade is heavily reliant on sea trade. The federation aimed to achieve three million tonnes of rice exports in the FY 2025-2026.
Myanmar generated income of over $1.129 billion from 2.48 million tonnes of rice and broken rice exports in the financial year 2024-2025 (1 April-31 March).
Ministry of Commerce is working together with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, Myanmar Industries Association, Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association, Myanmar Fisheries Products Processors and Exporters Association to meet monthly export targets and facilitate exports. — NN/KK

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The Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise under the Ministry of Energy, together with domestic ethnic entrepreneurs, held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the drilling and production of Standard Wells.

Discussions focused on current energy consumption, fuel shortages, domestic oil production, and ongoing efforts to enhance production capacity through Standard Well development. Participants also reviewed draft operating agreements, drilling programs, and well policies. Challenges faced by entrepreneurs during implementation were addressed, and coordination measures by the Ministry of Energy were clarified to support successful Standard Well operations.

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The ASEAN Central Bank Deputies' Meeting (ACDM), the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting (AFCDM), and related meetings were held from April 7 to April 8, 2026, hosted by the Philippines in a fully virtual format. A delegation led by Dr. Sandar Oo, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, attended these meetings via video conferencing.

During the ASEAN Central Bank Deputies' Meeting held on April 7, 2026, the deputy governors discussed and exchanged views on the priority economic agendas for the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, the progress of the working committees on financial integration, matters related to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Restructuring of the ASEAN Currency Exchange Arrangement, and the role of central banks in promoting the integration of ASEAN regional capital markets. After their discussions, they endorsed matters requiring approval. At the meeting, Dr. Sandar Oo, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, expressed the Central Bank of Myanmar's support for these matters.

In the afternoon, the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting was held. The deputies exchanged views and subsequently endorsed matters requiring approval.

On April 8, 2026, the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting was held. After presentations from the International Monetary Fund on the global economic outlook, from the Macroeconomic Research Office on the regional economic outlook, and from the Asian Development Bank on the potential macroeconomic impacts of the Middle East conflict on Asia and the Pacific countries, the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies exchanged views on the relevant matters. Dr. Sandar Oo, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, participated in the discussions.

Furthermore, the 22nd ASEAN Central Bank Governors' Meeting (ACGM), the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (AFMGM), and related meetings will continue to be held on April 9-10, 2026, it’s reported.

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The Customs Department will remain operational to ensure smooth customs operations for imported and exported goods through international seaports and airports during the Thingyan holidays from 11 to 15 April.
Furthermore, the Customs Department processes clearance of urgently imported goods as required by the State when they submit an application in advance, and import/export operations will be facilitated. Those companies wishing to work overtime must ensure sufficient deposit amounts for applicable duties with the Customs Department for the goods to be imported/exported, and must apply to the Customs Department by 2 pm on 10 April.
To ensure smooth customs operations at Asia World Port, the department will provide services in three shifts to inspect containers designated for exports on public holidays except for Myanmar New Year Day (17 April) upon request of the applicants. Moreover, the existing border trade posts and township customs offices along trade routes will continue to provide full services during Thingyan holidays.
For difficulties in importing and exporting goods, individuals can contact the following numbers: 09 250254208 of Director (Export/Import), 09 5066569 of Director (Security), 09 785055456 of Deputy Director (Export), 09 785414433 of Deputy Director (Import), 09 445179698 of Deputy Director (Security) and 09 5408957 of Deputy Director (Airport), the Customs Department stated. — NN/KK

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A coordination meeting was held at the Ayeyawady Region Consumer Affairs Department on Sunday, to ensure proper distribution of palm oil and fair prices for consumers.

The Regional Economic Minister stated that 3,600 units of palm oil are being distributed through 14 companies, 110 wholesale agents, and 2,888 retail agents, ensuring supply to the public. Industrial palm oil is also distributed based on business demand. Participants agreed to follow guidelines to maintain stable prices and coordinate distribution.

Consumer affairs officials and regional authorities also shared ongoing plans and measures to supervise and manage palm oil distribution effectively. 60 participants from the Palm Oil Distribution Supervision Committee, consumer affairs officials, and representatives from wholesalers, retailers, and business associations attended the meeting.

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A total of 1,870 Myanmar food processing companies and factories have submitted 3,872 applications to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) until 27 March 2026, according to the Domestic Trade Division (GACC team) of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization under the Ministry of Commerce.
According to GACC Decrees 248 and 249, GACC registration is mandatory for food exporters starting from 1 January 2022.
Those individuals executing edible oil, oilseeds, stuffed pastry products, edible bird’s nest and related products, edible grains, grains milling industrial products and malt, fresh and dehydrated vegetables, dried beans, plant species, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, unroasted coffee and cocoa bean, special dietary food excluding milk-based formula, functional foods, bee products, aquatic products including farm products, animal products and animal feed and livestock animal businesses need to apply for GACC licence to place their goods in China’s market.
The relevant authorities for the registration with GACC are the Agriculture Department, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, the Fisheries Department and the Food and Drug Administration Department.
Exporters can directly access the China International Trade Single Window through https://cifer.singlewindow.cn by creating accounts for those food groups which are not listed in the aforementioned 18 groups.
Between 1 December 2021 and 27 March 2026, 3,872 applications by 1,849 factories have been forwarded to the GACC through the Agriculture Department (1,691 applications), the Fisheries Department (156), the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (14) and the Food and Drug Administration Department (nine).
Regarding the registration of the importing companies, the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine under the GACC will check quarantine access for the imported grains (unroasted coffee bean, cocoa beans, fresh and dehydrated vegetables, plant seasonings (plant spices), edible grain, dried beans, oil seeds (oil plant) and herbal animal products and plant for their origins.
The companies cannot directly proceed with registration, and they need to carry out this step through competent authorities and departments concerned by sending an email via dapq@customs.gov.cn or submitting a letter to the Chinese Embassy to Myanmar or the Myanmar Embassy to China.
As of 31 March 2026, a total of 1,217 applications have been successful in registering with the GACC with the approval of the competent authority. Additionally, a manual registration list of overseas manufacturers of imported foods with the GACC has been uploaded on http://dzs.customs.gov.cn/. Individuals can enquire further information through the contact numbers of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization at 0673408605 and 067 3408617 and email myantrade.domestic@gmail.com. — NN/KK

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The 2nd ASEAN Rice Trade Summit 2026 was held in Yangon on Saturday, attended by Chief Minister U Soe Thein.

The ceremony opened with traditional cultural performances by the Azalea Stars group. This was followed by a welcome speech from the Chairman of the Myanmar Rice Federation.

Officials from the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Commerce, along with representatives from regional organizations from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Viet Nam delivered remarks. Discussions were also held on current developments and changes in the regional rice market by responsible persons from SS Rice News. After the event, the attendees toured the exhibition displays.

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The wholesale reference rate of palm oil set for the Yangon market showed an uptick at K6,680 per viss this week ending 2 April, compared to K6,640 per viss recorded last week, according to the Supervisory Committee on Edible Oil Import and Distribution.
The rise in palm oil price was attributed to a sharp drop in the palm oil output in major producing countries starting from January 2026, a large stockpile and a surge in demand during the Chinese New Year Festival and Ramadan. According to Reuters and industry reports, palm oil output in major producing nations is experiencing stagnant production levels in the first quarter of 2026, keeping the price supported.  The Department of Consumer Affairs speculated palm oil market constraints that other factors include strengthening Malaysia Ringgits, Indonesia’s tax hike in palm oil export from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent starting from 1 March, low global stock levels in palm oil reserve situation with tight supplies dropping to 19 per cent in 2025-2026 Financial Year from 20 per cent, increase in palm oil demand ahead of Eid al-Fitr, pushing the FOB price in the producing countries.
The Supervisory Committee on Edible Oil Import and Distribution under the Ministry of Commerce has been closely observing the FOB prices in Malaysia and Indonesia, adding transport costs, tariffs and banking services to decide the wholesale market reference rate for edible oil weekly.
Despite the reference price, the market price is still high. To control overcharging, the Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce informed consumers of lodging complaints for overcharging through the call centre hotline in late August. The department urges consumers not to buy palm oil at high prices.
The committee notified that any person who is involved in price gouging and oil storage to attempt market manipulation will face legal action under the Essential Goods and Services Law.
The department is working together with the Myanmar Oil Dealers’ Association and the cooking oil importing companies to offer affordable rates of imported palm oil for consumers.
The complaints for overcharging can be lodged over hotline 1535 of the call centre of the Consumers Affairs Department, or sent to the Facebook page of the department and the region and state departments concerned.
The domestic consumption of palm oil is estimated at one million tonnes per year. The local palm oil production is just about 400,000 tonnes. About 700,000 tonnes of palm oil are annually imported through Malaysia and Indonesia to meet domestic demands. — NN/KK

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The National Planning Law 2025-2027 and the Budget Law of the Union 2026-2027 came into effect starting April 1.

These laws were enacted by the National Defence and Security Council on March 31 as Law No.21/2026 and 22/2026.

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The meeting of palm oil distributors held on 1 April at UMFCCI’s Mingala Hall highlighted managing palm oil distribution and ensuring sufficient supply during Thingyan holidays.
Yangon Region Minister for Economic Affairs U Myo Myint Aung delivered the opening remarks that the demand for palm oil would increase during Thingyan holidays. Therefore, he urged distributors to sell the oil allocated by the government for the holidays at the right value and accurate measurement. He also warned against unfair practices such as price hikes, selling underweight, or hoarding to cause shortages. The relevant government departments would effectively carry out market monitoring and inspections.
U Aye Win, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the palm oil distribution process and the need for coordination among organizations to ensure market stability.
U Maung Maung Zaw, Chairman of the Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers and Oil Millers Association, also shared practical solutions regarding possible challenges in oil distribution, including transportation and storage issues.
Furthermore, U Kyaw Swa Win, Head of the Regional Consumer Affairs Department, clarified the regulations for consumer rights protection and the requirements for price display. General Secretary U Zaw Ko Ko recommended systematic record-keeping and accurate information reporting in operational processes.
If any difficulties in purchasing palm oil arise in various townships, immediate notification should be made to the association. Timely reporting would be a crucial driver for effective distribution adjustments in supply chain, inventory and logistics, he added. — NN/KK

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