The rapidly evolving agricultural and food security situation in Myanmar requires a high frequency, systematic, and comprehensive approach to monitoring. The Myanmar Monthly Food Price Report synthesizes food price trends using publicly available datasets, focusing on key agricultural crops and highlighting regional differences in rice prices. By analyzing these trends, the report aims to provide insights into the broader agricultural market and the factors driving food price fluctuations in Myanmar.
Key Highlights - Download the Report
- Rice prices increased sharply month-on-month in April 2026 (up 8.9 percent) and remained broadly stable year-on-year, suggesting a continued recovery following earlier declines driven by lower international rice prices and strong domestic supply. However, regional price disparities remain significant across major producing and deficit areas.
- Most export crop prices showed relatively limited month-on-month movement, particularly for pulses, reflecting stable regional demand from China and India during the Thingyan holiday period. In contrast, maize prices increased sharply following expectations of the reopening of the Thailand–Myanmar border trade route.
- Vegetable prices showed mixed trends in April 2026. Onion, chili, and garlic prices increased modestly month-on-month, partly linked to improving border trade expectations and lower domestic garlic production, while potato prices declined sharply amid increased inflows of imported Chinese potatoes and weak domestic demand.
- Most animal-sourced food prices remained substantially higher year-on-year, led by mutton, pork, and fish, reflecting continued supply constraints, disease outbreaks, and export demand. Month-on-month changes remained relatively modest, although extreme summer temperatures affected poultry, livestock, and aquaculture production conditions during April.
- The conflict in Iran has led to a partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which more than a quarter of the world’s oil exports and 20–30 percent of global fertilizer exports pass. These developments are especially concerning for Myanmar’s agrifood system, which depends heavily on fuel for transport, irrigation, mechanization, and processing. In addition, disruptions in fertilizer supply could adversely affect the upcoming monsoon season.