Myanmar conveys about 600,000 tonnes of corns to Thailand under zero-tariff this year

Myanmar has shipped about 600,000 tonnes of corns under zero tariff to Thailand this year, Chair U Min Khaing of Myanmar Corn Industrial Association said.
Myanmar is sending corns through Myawady and Tachilek borders. He added that the current problem in corn exports is corn insect, difficulties in the logistic sector, and price flat on low demand.
“We are facing certain problems in the recent days. The exports went smoothly in April. Now, Thailand traders blame the corn pest problem. We are negotiating with them. The corns will be sent back if the pest is found. Another barrier is a disruption in the logistic sector. Thailand’s demand for corn has declined. Consequently, the price is flat for now,” U Min Khaing stressed.
Myanmar has been exporting corns to Thailand through cross-border trade. A tonne of corn stands at about 8,000 baht.
Myanmar is allowed for corn export between 1 February and 31 August with Form-D, under zero tariff.
Myanmar corn exports were exempted from tax between February and August. Thailand imposed a maximum tax rate of 73 per cent on corn import to protect the rights of their grower if the corns are imported during the corn season of Thailand according to the notification of the World Trade Organization for corn import of Thailand.
With the local corn consumption growing, Myanmar’s corn export to foreign markets is expected to reach 1 million tonnes this year, the association stated.
Myanmar exported 2.2 million tonnes of corns to the foreign market in the past Financial Year 2019-2020 ended 30 September, with an estimated value of $360 million, the Ministry of Commerce’s data showed.
At present, 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. The country yearly produces 2.5-3 million tonnes of corns. – NN/GNLM