Wheat and meslin market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market in Myanmar remained heavily reliant on imports throughout the period, with domestic production gradually declining from 116 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 80 thousand tonnes in 2023. This import dependency, driven by challenges in domestic cultivation such as lower flour extraction rates and higher costs, supported market volume growth until 2020 as imports rose to meet demand.

Global factors began significantly impacting the market from 2020 onward. Climatic conditions and geopolitical influences affected import prices and availability, leading to volatility. In 2022, peak import prices due to global agricultural commodity inflation and supply chain disruptions caused imports to plummet by nearly 50%, dragging market volume down to 323.4 thousand tonnes. The market recovered in 2023 to 451.2 thousand tonnes as import volumes rebounded by over 60%, aided by lower domestic wheat prices and mill preferences for Australian and U.S. wheat.

Structural aspects continued to shape the market. Import licensing through the Myanmar Tradenet 2.0 platform and inspections for SPS compliance were in place by 2024, alongside infrastructure including 133 approved warehouses and 59 dryers. Consumer preferences consistently favored imported wheat for quality and cost reasons, sustaining import flows despite fluctuations.

Production wheat and meslin in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

Myanmar's wheat and meslin production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 105.5 thousand tons, marking a 4.7% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.1%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from Myanmar

Exports in kind, K t

Myanmar's wheat and meslin exports have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports reached 0.5 thousand tons, a substantial 309.4% increase compared to 2018. From 2017 to 2019, exports surged by 719.4%, growing at an average annual rate of 101.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Myanmar's wheat and meslin exports in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Singapore, which accounted for 73.2% of total shipments. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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, M $ US

Myanmar's wheat and meslin exports in value terms have increased for the second year running. In 2019, exports totaled 0.2 million US dollars, up 20.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, export value grew by 131.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar's wheat and meslin exports in value terms were primarily directed to China and Singapore, which together made up 96.3% of total flows. Other destinations contributed only marginally.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin to Myanmar

Imports in kind, K t

Myanmar's wheat and meslin imports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 478.6 thousand tons, showing a moderate 9.6% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes expanded by 541.9%, with an average annual growth of 85.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Australia, the United States, and Canada dominated Myanmar's wheat and meslin imports in volume terms. Australia led with 60.5% of imports, followed by the United States at 16.1% and Canada at 9.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.7% of total import 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, M $ US

Myanmar's wheat and meslin imports in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 136.5 million US dollars, rising 4.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 430%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 74.3%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Australia, the United States, and Canada were the key sources for Myanmar's wheat and meslin imports in value terms. Australia accounted for 60.5% of imports, the United States for 16.5%, and Canada for 9.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 86.2% of total import value.

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

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