Htikhee border trade falls by $454.9 mln as of mid-May

Bilateral trade between Thailand and Myanmar through the Htikhee border over the past seven and half months reflected a decrease of $454.9 million against a year-ago period.
Between 1 October and 14 May in the current financial year 2020-2021, the figures sharply fell to US$911.4 million from $1.36 million registered in the previous financial year, according to data from the Commerce Ministry.
The surge in coronavirus cases in Myanmar led Thailand to limit truck drivers’ working hours at the border posts. Consequently, the trade via land border between Myanmar and Thailand sharply fell in the current FY.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that natural gas exports from the Taninthayi Region have contributed to an enormous increase in trade through the Htikhee border during the previous years.
The border trade between Myanmar and Thailand through the border areas — Myeik, Kawthoung, Mawtaung, Htikhee and Meisei posts declined as of 14 May. In contrast, trade via Tachilek and Myawady posts rose due to corn exports.
Myanmar primarily exports natural gas, fishery products, coal, tin concentrate (SN 71.58 per cent), coconut (fresh and dry), beans, corns and bamboo shoots to Thailand. It imports capital goods such as machinery, raw industrial goods such as cement and fertilizers, and consumer goods such as cosmetics and food products from the neighbouring country. — KK/GNLM