BANGKOK: Imports from Thailand reached US$845 million by March 10 this fiscal year, US$119 million more than the previous year, a source at the Myawaddy trade camp said. Imports are rising ahead of the Thingyan water festival which falls on April 13.
Exports were just US$55 million, up US$14.8 million from last year, compared to the previous year. Exports of US$56 million were recorded in 2012-13. “More food, soft drinks, cooking oil, cosmetics, plastic items and mats are being imported before Thingyan. More motorcycles and farming equipment are also around. There are more than 500 trucks entering into Myanmar on the Myawaddy Friendship Bridge each day,” a border trade merchant said. Myanmar exported fish, prawns, crabs, tea, ginger and sesame to Thailand. But exports are dwarfed by imports, apparently because the Thais buy agricultural goods, like onions, beans and corn, at the season-end. The second Myawaddy Friendship Bridge is intended to boost Mekong and Asean trade.
