CNI News

30 May 2025

The main reason for the illegal trade is the imbalance between supply and demand and due to the policies of the authorities, pointed out businessmen. 

Even the economic system needs to be examined to balance demand and supply. Although it is necessary for administrative purposes, there are obstacles in the economy, so the problem will only be solved if such issues are carefully examined and reconsidered, they said.

The SAC Vice Chairman Vice Senior General Soe Win said on May 26, 2025 that illegal trade is currently increasing in Myanmar, with the highest number of illegal trade arrests in March 2025.

A businessman told CNI News that the increase in illegal trade is due to government policies creating obstacles and imbalances in supply and demand.

While seeing the Muse (105) Mile Trade Gate

"The imbalance between supply and demand is not a new phenomenon. Only by addressing the root cause will we be able to balance supply and demand. Even when supply and demand are out of balance, trade somehow operates. But as long as trade barriers cannot be removed, the problem of illegal trade cannot be resolved." he said.

Myanmar is only ranked 9th among the 10 ASEAN member countries in combating illegal trade, so it is necessary to accelerate efforts to combat illegal trade, said the SAC Vice-Chair.

While a truck was seen on the Asia Road, Yangon-Myawaddy section, Kawkareik Township.

The 2025 Illicit Trade Index, published by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), also identifies 12 key sectors where illicit trade is rampant.

The sectors include agricultural products, agricultural chemicals and pesticides, alcohol, counterfeit goods, forest products, illegal fishing, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, precious metals and gems, tobacco products, human trafficking, and wildlife.