CNI News

24 Feb 2023

It is diffiuclt to export onions to the Philippines through the government-to-government system due to trade policies adopted by the country, according to the Myanmar Onion, Garlic and Vegetable Growers and Exporters Association.

At present, the Ministry of Commerce of the SAC and the government of the Philippines are holding negotiations to export onions from Myanmar to the country.
Although negotiations are being held to export onions to the Philippines through the emabassy, Myanmar has never had a chance to export onions to the country, Chairman U Khin Han of the MOGVGEA told the CNI.

He said, "The Philippines has permitted only four or five people to import onions and vegetables and they have to apply for import permits to buy onions from a Myanmar company again. They are also required to submit so many documents for species and pests. We have held negotiations with the embass but have never succeeded. I have already talked about this during a recent meeting. However, authorities think that it would be easier to export onions to the country through the G-to-G system."

 Onion farmers.

Although most of Myanmar export onions are consumed by Indonesia, the country has to illegally import onions from Myanmar through Malaysia due to its policies, according to its onion merchants.

Myanmar exports onions to Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand and Malaysia through border trade.

However, farmers will be able to enjoy benefits only when border trade thrive, Onion Merchant U Hla Thaung of Pakokku Township Merchant Association told the CNI.

He said, "In my opinion, China and Myawady (Thai) are the main importers. Exporters do not rely much on Bangladesh because the country imports onions from Myanmar when it faces severe shortages. Bangladesh imports onions from Myanmar only for its domestic consumption. China and Thialand reexport Myanmar onions to other countries. Border trade is the main export route for merchants in small towns. Farmers will be able to enjoy benefits only when border trade thrives."

Transport of onions.

Although Myanmar onions are high in quality, other countries import onions from India, which are twice as cheap as Myanmar counterparts.

As onion harvests in Myanmar exceed its consumption every year and farmers have to rely on export markets, it is necessary to promote the export market, an onion merchant from Myingyan Township told the CNI.

He told the CNI, "Onion yields in Myanmar exceed its consumption every year. So, farmers are relying on the export market. So, it is necessary for departments concerned, companies and merchants to facilitate exports of onions."

Onions are mainly grown in Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing regions in Myanmar and Myanmar exports 50,000 tons of onions to other countries.