CNI News
May 6, 2026
Economic and political analysts are pointing out that the transitional government's announcement to increase taxes—instead of reducing them—while attempting to revitalize a socio-economy declining from political and military crises, will further harm the general public.
The new government’s Ministry of Finance and Revenue announced a tax hike on a total of 150 types of goods, including both imports and exports, effective from May 1.
The revised customs duties include an increase from 5% to 15% on fish and fishery products, from 15% to 20% on snacks and food products, from 5% to 10% on motorcycle tires and tubes, and from 3% to 5% on milk and dairy products.
Economic analyst U Thet Zaw told CNI News that these increased customs rates will cause domestic commodity prices to rise further, impacting consumers more than exporters and importers.
Various food products.
"This shouldn't be happening. They revised taxes to collect more on 150 types of goods starting May 1. This includes food, consumer goods, and general merchandise. Without a solid fundamental base on our side, they are just amending laws to tax more. Ultimately, consumers have to buy what they need to eat, regardless of whether they can afford it or not. Those tax hikes don't fall on the businessmen; they fall on the people. In the end, it reaches the consumer. I want them to understand this. I want to ask why they are placing such a burden on the public," he said.
Currently, restrictions and tightening of imports and exports are already causing high commodity prices and goods shortages within the country.
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that successive governments have relied on taxing imports, exports, food, and consumer goods, and further increases only make life more difficult for the people. He suggested that the tax system needs to be implemented precisely, targeting areas where taxes are currently low or being evaded, rather than hurting the public.
The Myawaddy Trade Zone.
"They are just increasing taxes where they are already being collected; successive governments have done the same. They should actually be expanding the tax base. There are many areas where taxes are missing. Whether they can't collect those missing taxes effectively or choose not to, there could be various reasons. It feels like they are just putting pressure on the places where it's easy to collect. In Myanmar, the price of a junk car reaches unheard-of levels globally because of taxes. A government must manage the distribution of wealth precisely and correctly," he said.
According to the statement from the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the customs duties were increased to ensure the long-term sustainability of domestic industrial manufacturing and to protect local agricultural producers.
