Myanmar Targets 3 Million Tonnes in Rice Exports by 2026

IRW

Myanmar is aiming to export 3 million tonnes of rice and broken rice in the 2025–2026 fiscal year, marking a significant push to expand its reach in key markets like China, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).

The target, announced by MRF Chairman U Ye Min Aung, follows a strong showing in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, during which Myanmar exported over 2.48 million tonnes. October alone saw more than 424,000 tonnes shipped, the highest monthly figure.

To meet its new target, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation has opened applications for rice exporters seeking access to the Chinese market. Interested firms must submit expressions of interest (EOIs) by 30 June 2025 and adhere to the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) protocols agreed upon with Beijing. Only companies without previous export licences are eligible under this registration round.

China is a key focus, but Myanmar’s rice has found buyers further afield. In the last fiscal year, Indonesia led the way, purchasing 107,450 tonnes of rice, followed by China, Côte d’Ivoire, the Philippines, and Poland. For broken rice, major importers included Senegal, Belgium, China, Côte d’Ivoire, and the UK.

Rice remains a vital export for Myanmar, especially as the country looks to strengthen trade ties amid ongoing economic pressures. By setting a higher export target, Myanmar signals both its production capacity and its ambition to regain a stronger foothold in the global market.

Whether it hits the 3-million-tonne mark will depend largely on market access, export readiness, and the global demand outlook in the year ahead.

-2025-06-09