Strong demand drives tamarind price up in Mandalay market

Mandalay market sees brisk buying of tamarind on the back of strong demand by foreign and domestic markets, resulting in the price rise as well.
Last year, during the pre-Thingyan Festival, the price of seeded tamarinds was K1,000 per viss (a viss equals 1.6 kilogrammes), while the seedless ones fetched K2,200 per viss. This year, the seeded tamarind is worth K1,800 per viss, and the prices of seedless ones stand at K3,600 per viss, said the Soe Win Myint depot owner in Mandalay.
“This year, tamarind businesses are thriving. The yield is also expected to drop. The competitive buying between the domestic dealers and the foreign trade partners hikes the price up. Furthermore, the price is likely to remain higher due to the low inventory,” he elaborated.
Tamarinds are yearly sent to China, India and Bangladesh. The central Myanmar region (Kyaukpadaung, Popa, Pakokku, Myaing, Yamethin, Zeepingyi and Pinlebu towns) is the primary producer of tamarinds. They are abundantly supplied to the market during Myanmar Thingyan New Year Festival.
Myanmar shipped US$9.6 million worth of 20,662 metric tons in the 2021-2022 Financial Year, which was an increase of 9,796 tonnes (estimated value of $5.6 million) compared to the 2020-2021FY.
Tamarind trees are primarily found in the central Myanmar regions – Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway. They can be harvested only once a year in summer. Myanmar people use tamarind in traditional cuisine besides making traditional medicines. It is also a commercially valued export item. — Min Htet Aung, KK/GNLM