India – Myanmar’s largest agri importer, accounting for over 80% of global exports
11-Jun-2025 10:57 AM
India – Myanmar’s largest agri importer, accounting for over 80% of global exports
★ Agricultural exports remain a major source of foreign exchange for Myanmar, and at the heart of this trade relationship lies India. In the financial year 2024–25 (April–March), India’s share in Myanmar’s global exports of key pulses and grains was overwhelmingly high — in some cases, exceeding 90%.
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India’s Imports vs Myanmar’s Global Exports (April 2024 – March 2025):
* Pigeon Pea (Tur/Toor): Myanmar exported a total of 2.82 lakh metric tons, of which 2.77 lakh MT — 98.21% — went to India.
* Black Matpe (Urad): Out of 9.46 lakh MT, India imported 7.72 lakh MT — 81.67% share.
* Desi Chickpea: India accounted for 76.84% of total exports.
* Kidney Beans (Rajma): India purchased 64.55%, further demonstrating its reliance on Myanmar for this commodity.
* Black Eye Beans (Lobia): India’s share was 39.52%.
* Maize (Corn): India imported 6.44 lakh MT, which is 26.85% of Myanmar’s total maize exports.
* Sesame: India’s share was only 0.80%, showing limited dependence in this segment.
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★ These figures make it clear — India is not just a buyer, but the backbone of Myanmar’s agri-export ecosystem. Any shift in India’s procurement policy or sourcing strategy could pose a severe economic threat to Myanmar’s agri-export earnings.
★ Recently, concerns were raised about quality and shipment issues from Myanmar. Such developments can damage long-standing trust and must be avoided.
★ It would not be incorrect to say that Myanmar’s agricultural export success is heavily tied to Indian demand and import policy.
★ Moreover, Myanmar must recognize emerging global competition. Pigeon pea (tur) cultivation is expanding in African countries, and Brazil is rapidly establishing itself as a high-quality exporter of black matpe (urad). This means Myanmar cannot afford to take India for granted, or assume monopoly power in the market.