Mizzima

China has emerged as the top importer of Myanmar rice in the first five months of the 2025–26 financial year, purchasing nearly half a million tonnes of rice and broken rice, according to figures released by the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).

Between April 1 and August 31, 2025, China imported 498,926 tonnes, outstripping other major buyers by a wide margin. Indonesia ranked second with over 120,000 tonnes, followed by the Philippines (106,000 tonnes), Belgium (89,000 tonnes), Spain (35,000 tonnes), and Madagascar (20,800 tonnes). Other export destinations included Poland, Senegal, the UK, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Myanmar exported just over one million tonnes of rice and broken rice overall at a value of US$355 million during this period. Monthly shipments ranged from 142,700 tonnes in April to 193,000 tonnes in August. May recording the highest volume at over 529,000 tonnes worth US$91 million.

Sea routes continued to dominate rice exports, while only limited quantities were shipped across border trade points, likely due to ongoing conflict in border areas and closed trade gates.

The MRF has set an ambitious target of three million tonnes in rice exports for the current financial year. In FY 2024–25, Myanmar earned US$1.13 billion from 2.48 million tonnes of exports.

To support this goal, the junta’s Ministry of Commerce is reportedly collaborating with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and commodity associations to coordinate monthly export targets and facilitate overseas sales.

Myanmar’s rice trade remains a key foreign exchange earner amid a dire economic situation due to political upheaval, armed conflict and international sanctions. China’s position as the leading market underscores the continued importance of bilateral agricultural trade between the Naypyidaw and Beijing despite geopolitical tensions.

Published Date: October 6, 2025