Bilateral trade between Thailand and Myanmar through the Hteekhee border over the past four months reflected a decrease of $210 million as against a year-ago period.
Between 1 October and 12 February in the current financial year 2020-2021, the figures sharply fell to US$473 million from $683 million registered in the previous financial year, according to the data from the Commerce Ministry.
The surge in coronavirus cases in Myanmar led Thailand to close the border areas and limit truck drivers’ working hours at the border posts. Consequently, the trade via land border sharply fell in the current FY.
Exports of natural gas from the Taninthayi Region have contributed to the enormous trade increase through the Hteekhee border during the previous years.
Earlier, the Myawady border sees the most extensive trade among the Myanmar-Thailand checkpoints. The rise in exports through the Hteekhee border had boosted the value of the Myanmar-Thailand border trade since the 2018-2019FY.
The border trade between Myanmar and Thailand through all land borders — Tachilek, Myawady, Myeik, Kawthoung, Mawtaung, Hteekhee and Maese declined as of 27 November.
Myanmar primarily exports natural gas, fishery products, coal, tin concentrate (SN 71.58 per cent), coconut (fresh and dry), beans, corns and bamboo shoots to Thailand. It imports capital goods such as machinery, raw industrial goods such as cement and fertilizers, and consumer goods such as cosmetics and food products from neighbouring countries. — KK/GNLM
