Myanmar Government Lifts Rubber Export Ban

Myanmar has resumed the export of rubber following an announcement by the government that took effect on 1 September. In a statement released by the country’s trade directorate on 27 August, the government said that domestic production had risen since the ban was put in place at the beginning of the year. According to the statement demand is being met.

The government now permits the export of rubber to foreign countries, said a Directorate of Trade official. The exports will mainly go to Thailand and Malaysia, countries that that the official said were previously main customers. The decision will include a number of restrictions including a continued ban on exports and dealers. Only natural rubber cultivators will be allowed to sell rubber abroad, according to a previous announcement made by the countries Commerce Minister, Brigadier-General Pyi Sone, at the beginning of August. The brigadier added that traders should aid cultivators by making them familiar with export procedures.

Myanmar produces about 42,000 of the 8.2 million tonnes of natural rubber produced in the world.