Myanmar’s 40,000-Ton Pineapple Goal Falls Short of Global Scale

GNLM

Myanmar plans to export over 40,000 tonnes of pineapples in the 2025–26 fiscal year, state media reported this week, as the country looks to tap into rising international demand for the tropical fruit. But while the target marks progress for the local industry, it remains a modest figure by global standards.

The majority of Myanmar’s pineapples are grown in Shan and Kachin states, where cool highlands, rich soils, and abundant rainfall provide excellent growing conditions. Farmers have begun adopting modern methods from China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, with organic and GAP-certified farms now supplying both local and export markets.

Yet despite favourable conditions and improved techniques, the export figure lags far behind that of regional and global competitors. For comparison, the Philippines—the world’s second-largest exporter—ships out more than 600,000 tonnes annually, while Costa Rica, the global leader, exports over 2 million tonnes each year.

Myanmar’s planned 40,000 tonnes represents just 2% of what Costa Rica sends abroad, underscoring the country’s limited share in the international market.

Analysts say the figure highlights how underdeveloped Myanmar’s pineapple industry still is, constrained by infrastructure gaps, limited processing capacity, and inconsistent quality standards.

Nonetheless, the push to expand exports signals growing ambition. With strong natural advantages and increasing investment in agricultural modernisation, Myanmar could scale up production in the years ahead. But for now, its export volumes remain a small drop in a very large global market.

-2025-08-06