Myanmar sets US$517M target for sesame & maize exports in 2025-26

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  • This photo reveals a field of Myanmar’s maize that is designated for exports.

Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association aims to achieve sesame and maize export targets of US$517 million in the 2025-2026 financial year.
The association targets to export 1.36 million bags of maize in the 2025-2026 financial year to bag $354 million. Around 90,000 tonnes of sesame are also planned to be exported this FY, with an expected income of $163 million.
The association is making efforts to export value-added products such as corn silage and corn syrup. At present, the sesame export market has been sluggish. Therefore, the association is exploring new market potentials, and discussions with trade partners are ongoing.
Myanmar exported 2.4 million tonnes of maize in the previous financial year 2024-2025, generating an income of $574 million. Thailand is the top importer of Myanmar’s maize. Myanmar’s maize is flowing into Thailand under a zero-tariff benefit. Thailand gives the green light for maize imports under zero tariff (with Form-D), between 1 February and 31 August. Myanmar also exports maize to India, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Myanmar’s various sesame exports amounted to $114 million with 74,000 tonnes. Myanmar’s sesame is primarily exported to China, and also sent to Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore. — ASH/KK

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