Millet market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market in Myanmar began the period at 161.9 thousand tons in 2018, supported by government agricultural backing and laws ensuring fair prices for farmers. A decline to 143.2 thousand tons followed in 2019, driven by reduced consumer income and rising prices after the military power seizure, which dampened demand, coupled with a significant increase in exports. The market volume fell further to 133.8 thousand tons in 2020, as elevated export volumes continued to draw supply away from the domestic market, despite the establishment of a state price stabilization committee.

The military takeover in February 2021 dramatically altered market dynamics, leading to a complete halt in millet exports. This cessation, stemming from war and road blockages, expanded the domestic market volume to 150.0 thousand tons that year, even amid reported production and distribution difficulties. A slight contraction to 144.8 thousand tons occurred in 2022, a period marked by changes in government regulations and the launch of a Market Information System (MIS). The market then rebounded strongly to 172.0 thousand tons in 2023, marking the highest volume in the observed period.

Production millet in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Myanmar ranked as the 18th largest producer of millet from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

Millet production in Myanmar declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 145.9 thousand tons of millet, marking a measured reduction of 3.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 30.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Myanmar in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports millet from Myanmar

Exports in kind, t

Millet exports from Myanmar increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 117 tons, which is 41.8% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 84.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 499 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 55.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Myanmar in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar's millet exports were heavily dependent on China, which accounted for 97.1% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Myanmar in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Myanmar's millet export value totaled 4 291 thousand US dollars, up by 20.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 681 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 13.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a jump of 112.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Myanmar in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China clearly dominated as the main buyer of millet from Myanmar, accounting for 97.1% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Myanmar in value, 2017-2020

Imports millet to Myanmar

Imports in kind, t

In 2018, Myanmar's millet imports totaled 1 ton, reflecting a sharp reduction of 99.8% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Myanmar in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of millet imports in volume terms was dominated by a single market: Ukraine, with a share of 99.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Myanmar in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2018, Myanmar imported millet worth 1 000 thousand US dollars, which is 246.3% higher than the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Myanmar in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Ukraine were the main sources for millet imports in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Myanmar in value, 2017-2020