Myanmar Corn Body, PITC seal deal to boost maize exports

1 MARCH 2026

 

MYANMAR Corn Industrial Association and the Philippines International Trade Corporation-PITC signed a bilateral trade agreement to boost maize export on 26 February in Manila, the Philippines, according to the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization.

 

This agreement is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade cooperation between the two countries, strengthening the agricultural value chain and exploring new market opportunities that will benefit industry stakeholders in both countries.

 

Through this collaboration, Myanmar will deepen cooperation in international connectivity through trade facilitation and continue creating business opportunities for Myanmar entrepreneurs. This signing ceremony strengthens cooperation between the two countries and serves as a driving force of sustainability

 

Maize is the second most important crop after rice in Myanmar’s agricultural sector and is a potential cash crop. Maize is commonly grown in Shan State, Kayah State, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Monsoon maize is cultivated in May and June, while winter maize is grown in October and November.

 

Maize is an essential raw material in the feed processing industry. It is a crop with steady international demand. Maize is utilized in producing corn starch, oil and sugar-substitute sweeteners. Furthermore, some countries convert maize into biofuel (ethanol) for automobiles.

 

Myanmar’s maize is highly demanded by Thailand, China, Vietnam and the Philippines due to its premium quality. It is also purchased by India and Bangladesh. Million tonnes are delivered to neighbouring countries through border checkpoints, generating a foreign income for the country. As the maize is easy to cultivate and has a strong market, the crop will contribute to farmers and the nation’s economy upon systematic cultivation.

 

Thailand gives green light for maize imports under zero tariff (with Form-D), between 1 February and 31 August. However, Thailand imposes the maximum tax rate of 73 per cent on maize imports to protect the rights of their growers if the maize is imported during the maize season of Thailand.

 

Additionally, China has been purchasing Myanmar’s maize through cross-border trade under the alternative development programme. Legitimate maize trade between Myanmar and China commenced at the end of 2022. A total of 112 Myanmar companies have been permitted for maize exports. Myanmar ships over two million tonnes of maize to foreign trade partners yearly. The maize is cultivated in Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states and Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway regions. Myanmar has three maize seasons – winter, summer and monsoon. Myanmar’s annual maize output is estimated at 2.5-3 million tonnes. — NN/KK