INTERVIEW: Myanmar eyes 3 mil mt rice exports on higher Philippine demand: MRF chairman

Myanmar is targeting 3 million metric tons of rice exports in fiscal year 2026-27 (April-March), supported by growing Philippine demand and an expansion of export-oriented production, U Ye Min Aung, the chairman of the Myanmar Rice Federation, said Oct. 8.

Speaking to Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, in an exclusive interview in Manila, Ye Min Aung said, "Our export target for FY 2026-27 is 3 million mt."

According to MRF data, Myanmar exported 2.7 million mt of rice in FY 2025-26.

"The Rice Export Zone program will form an important part of the strategy, with about 360,000 acres already covered by the initiative. The program promotes improved varieties such as GW-11, GW-18, 90 Days and improved Emata varieties to increase productivity and produce higher-quality export supplies," Ye Min said.

"We expect better productivity and higher-quality production from these zones, helping us achieve our export objectives," Ye Min added.

Surging demand strengthens export prospects

Robust Philippine demand has provided a major opportunity for Myanmar exporters this fiscal year.

Myanmar shipped 455,079 mt of rice to the Philippines in April-September FY 2026-27, up 330.4% from 105,732 mt a year earlier, according to MRF data.

Ye Min described the latest volume as roughly double Myanmar's historical annual exports to the Philippines, at about 200,000 mt.

Rather than viewing the increase as a short-term result of changes in the Philippine import policy, MRF is seeking to establish Myanmar as a long-term supplier by improving its price and quality competitiveness.

The Philippines imports about 4 million-5 million mt of rice annually, and Myanmar aims to capture about 10%-20% of that market over the medium to long term, Ye Min said.

Philippine buyers prefer long and slender grains, particularly Emata varieties such as GW-11, GW-18, 90 Days and Manawthukha. These varieties are also being promoted through the Rice Export Zone program.

To support further export growth, Myanmar's rice industry is modernizing processing facilities to improve double polishing, sorting and quality consistency, Ye Min added.

Favorable early harvest supports outlook

Myanmar's positive export outlook also reflects favorable early monsoon harvest results, with initial yields and productivity exceeding year-ago levels, according to MRF's assessment.

The early harvest, however, accounts for only a portion of Myanmar's overall output. The monsoon crop represents about 80% of production, with the main harvest expected to begin in late November and continue through December.

"Weather conditions have generally been favorable, with no significant drought," Ye Min said.

Although some areas have experienced flooding, the affected regions represent only a small portion of the country's total production area, he added. Attractive paddy prices have also supported farmers' interest in production.

The outlook could become less certain during the summer-paddy season, which runs from January to April, due to the potential impact of a strong El Niño, he added.

MRF is working with the government, scientists and farmer organizations on preparations, including solar-powered pumps, water-storage systems, village reservoirs and mini-dams.

Despite the potential weather risk, farmers remain willing to plant because paddy prices are supportive, Ye Min said.

"Myanmar has also received inquiries from importing countries seeking to increase rice reserves amid concerns over El Niño. These inquiries are coming through both government-to-government and business-to-business channels for December and January shipments," he said.

Peak harvest, FX liberalization to strengthen export competitiveness

The arrival of Myanmar's main harvest in November and December is expected to provide exporters with an opportunity to offer more competitive prices.

Myanmar's competitiveness depends not only on FOB rice prices but also on freight, logistics and banking costs, which are playing an increasingly important role in buyers' sourcing decisions, Ye Min said.

"As the major harvest arrives during November and December, our objective is to offer buyers more competitive pricing," he said. "To achieve that, buyers and sellers should begin discussions and contract negotiations early."

The government's gradual liberalization of foreign-exchange management has also provided some support to exporters. Under the current system, exporters can retain 85% of their export proceeds, Ye Min said, adding that MRF expects further liberalization at an appropriate time.

Platts assessed Myanmar 5% broken white rice at $459/mt FOB FCL Oct. 9, up $10/mt week over week. The assessment was at a $4/mt discount to Thai 5% white rice, but at premiums of $40/mt and $77/mt to Vietnamese and Indian 5% white rice, respectively.

Myanmar to cut broken-rice exports, expand local processing

Even as Myanmar seeks to expand its overall rice exports, the country intends to reduce broken-rice shipments and promote greater domestic value-added use, Ye Min said.

Existing commitments and signed contracts will continue to be fulfilled during FY 2026-27. However, Myanmar plans to substantially reduce broken rice exports from the beginning of the next fiscal year in April.

"Our priority is actually to reduce exports of broken rice significantly," Ye Min said.

Instead, MRF wants broken rice to be used domestically in industries such as animal feed, glucose manufacturing, noodles, flour and other agro-processing activities. The federation is promoting SME investment in these sectors.

"Myanmar does not intend to remain a major supplier of broken rice in the future," he said.

Myanmar exported 44,586 mt of broken rice in September 2026, accounting for about 36% of its total rice and broken-rice shipments during the month, according to MRF data.

Priorities through 2027

Beyond its immediate export target, MRF is focusing on three longer-term priorities: expanding Rice Export Zones, improving seed genetics and strengthening the domestic rice value chain.

The federation has a long-term target of expanding Rice Export Zone coverage to 2 million-3 million acres. The initiative is intended to support sustainability, good agricultural practices, improved irrigation and traceability.

MRF also plans to work with the Department of Agriculture, scientists and private-sector partners to develop higher-yielding export varieties. Alongside seed development, it wants to improve access to finance for SMEs, upgrade mills and expand storage and drying capacity, he added.

"The long-term objective is to export higher-quality, higher-value rice products, particularly premium fragrant and high-quality white rice, while reducing reliance on broken-rice exports," Ye Min said.