Myanmar started exporting corn to its neighboring country, Thailand, under a tax exemption program through the Myawady border trade post on February 1.
On the first day, the country exported over 2,000 tons, however, it was less than the amount it exported on the first day last year.
Under the bilateral agreement between Myanmar and Thailand, corn from Myanmar is allowed to export to Thailand without tax from February 1 to August 31.
Local traders said that there is enough supply; however, there was not enough manpower to load corn into freight trucks, which carry corn to Thailand and are not allowed to stay overnight.
Although corn from Myanmar is allowed to export to China, Myanmar traders choose to export more to Thailand as China has increased taxes to protect the interest of Chinese farmers. Thailand also imposes such tax starting from late August, corn harvesting season in Thailand, and during which corn export to Thailand often ceases and resumes on February 1.
