Ginger exports fall due to weather disruptions, says industry insider
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Hsu/ Saw (NP News) - August 13
Natural disasters have caused a decline in dried ginger exports this year, despite strong demand, said U Htein Htaik Aung, owner of Myapon Namar Expo, in an interview with The Statesman.
Every year, approximately 50 to 100 tons of dried ginger are exported to countries including India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Dubai.
"Ginger's uses are as varied as its users," he said. "Some people turn it into a powder for drinks like ginger coffee or tea, while others add it directly to their food. When the quality is not high enough for human consumption, it can be used for animal feed."
Delays in overseas transportation can cause fresh ginger to sprout, reducing its quality. To prevent this, exporters process the ginger into dried slices or powder before shipping.
“Last year, ginger production was normal. Since ginger is already available internationally – mainly in India and China – they have their own supplies. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s ginger supply significantly declined. The decline in supply and a drop in demand on the other side, combined with heavy flooding inside Myanmar – especially in the southern part of Shan State, a key ginger-producing region – led to a decrease in production. Because of this, exports also slightly declined this year. Ginger is typically harvested in March and April. But before that season arrived, there was heavy rain, and much of the ginger rotted,” he continued.
Because ginger thrives in cool, dry climates, it is typically cultivated in southern Shan State in areas such as Aung Ban, He Hoe, and Taunggyi, as well as in Pyin Oo Lwin and other upper regions.
"The decline was due to the scarcity of ginger in April and May of 2025, which means exports from 2023 and 2024 were much higher. Our company's exports have decreased by about 40%," he said. "Even when our regular customers made inquiries and we offered a reasonable price, we couldn't meet the volume they wanted. For example, a customer might want 100 tons, but we could only supply 30 tons, so the order would be canceled. This is essentially how market changes occurred due to the weather and the destruction of ginger farms."he continued.
Although dried ginger is used in ginger tea and sunflower seed snacks, domestic consumption is quite limited, he said.