Browse Data and Analysis

This report describes the status of Burma’s production and regulations for genetically engineered products and recent activities focused on agricultural biotechnology.

This report reflects significant changes from the June 2022 report, including updates on Food Labeling in Section II, Other Specific Standards in Section VII, Import Procedures Section IX, and Trade Facilitation in Section X.

The contents of this report do not change from the previous report in 2021. This report lists the major certificates required by the Burmese government agencies for U.S agricultural products exported to Burma.

FAS Rangoon (Post) forecasts Burma’s rice exports, corn exports, and wheat import smaller in MY 2023/24. Exporters and importers continue to face a lot of uncertainties with the continuing changing policies on export/import procedures and foreign currency controls.

FAS Rangoon forecasts Burma’s corn production lower due to rising production costs, unstable security conditions in some production areas, and unfavorable weather especially in Shan State.

This guide serves as a resource for U.S. companies seeking to do business in Burma and provides market overviews, practical tips and information on local business practices, consumer preferences, and trends. This report also identifies opportunities and entry approaches for the three major market sectors (food retail, food service, and food processing).

Since Burma initiated a series of political and economic reforms in 2011, U.S. agricultural exports have grown over 80-fold, reaching a record $174 million in 2019 and $167 million in 2020 despite the COVID-19 situation.

Post forecasts higher Burmese rice exports in December. This forecast anticipates active demand from Africa, China, and EU countries during the new crop harvest and the reopening of Burma-China border gates.

On November 9, Burma published new negative import lists that indicate the products required to have import licenses with notification 18/2021, which included apples, grapes, oranges, pears and butter and milk products.

Post forecasts higher Burma’s rice export in November in anticipation of active demand from China and EU countries during harvest of the new crop.

There are no significant developments to convey since the previous report from October 2020. Although Burma (also called Myanmar) does not yet have a comprehensive biosafety legislation, the final version of the National Biosafety Framework and Biosafety Guidelines are completed and pending approval.

Post forecasts Burma’s rice export lower in October due to the continued closure of all border checkpoints along the Burma-China border, poor demand from African and EU countries, and high shipping costs.