Burma.Beans and Pulses Trade. June 21, 2016 June 21, 2016

Report Highlights

Despite a relatively strong export demand from India, Myanmar's bean and pulse exports in the first quarter of 2016 (January-March) dropped 41 percent from the same period in 2015 due to low domestic stocks. India accounted for 67 percent of total exports in the first quarter of 2016 led by Toorwhole and Black Matpe varieties. Domestic wholesale prices for all types of bean and pulses declined in response to new crop supplies entering the market.

Trade

Myanmar's bean and pulse exports are composed of official non-border exports and unofficial exports along the borders, mainly to India, Thailand and China. Black Matpe, Mung bean, and Toorwhole are the leading pulse exports, accounting for approximately 90 percent of total official non-border exports in the first 3 months of 2016 (January-March).

Myanmar's bean and pulse exports in the first quarter of 2016 (January-March) sharply decreased by 41 percent to 382,284 metric tons (MT) from 652,375 MT from the same period of 2015 due mainly to higher Mapte bean prices and limited supplies. More specifically, official non-border trade exports fell 45 percent to 300,950 MT while unofficial border trade decreased by 20 percent to 81,334 MT.

About 67 percent of total exports in the first 3 months of 2016 were shipped to India. Toorwhole varieties led all exports accounting for 35 percent of total exports followed by Black Matpe at 31 percent, and Mung bean at 23 percent.

Official Beans and Pulses export by type in 2016 (January-March)

Non-border

Export of Bean and Pulses in 2015 and 2016

Market Overview

Domestic wholesale prices for all types of beans and pulses decreased from January to March due to the arrival of winter supplies into the market. New crop supplies of Toorwhole, Matpe and Mung bean entered the market in February 2016 resulting in lower prices.

Monthly Domestic Wholesale Price for Matpe, Mung Bean and Toorwhole

Post expects total bean and pulse exports in the second quarter of 2016 (April-June) to increase as new supplies enter the market and demand from India grows.