Myanmar targets 3 mln tons of rice exports on stronger Philippine demand

Myanmar plans to increase rice exports to 3 mln tons in fiscal year 2026/27, up from 2.7 mln tons a season earlier. One of the main growth drivers has been a sharp increase in demand from the Philippines, according to Myanmar Rice Federation Chairman U Ye Min Aung.

From April to September, Myanmar shipped 455.1 thsd tons of rice to the Philippines, up 330% year-on-year. This is already more than double Myanmar’s typical annual shipments to the market. Over the medium term, the country aims to capture 10–20% of Philippine rice imports, which total around 4–5 mln tons per year.

Early results from the monsoon crop are also supporting the export outlook, with yields and productivity currently above year-ago levels. The main monsoon crop, which accounts for around 80% of Myanmar’s rice production, is expected to enter peak harvest from late November through December.

At the same time, risks could increase during the January–April summer crop season due to a potentially strong El Niño. Myanmar is already preparing for possible water shortages by expanding the use of solar-powered pumps, water-storage systems, village reservoirs and mini-dams. The country is also receiving inquiries from importers seeking to build rice reserves amid weather concerns.

Myanmar also plans to gradually reduce broken-rice exports and redirect more of this grain to domestic processing for animal feed, glucose, noodles, flour and other products. Its long-term strategy is focused on increasing exports of higher-quality, higher-value rice, including premium fragrant and high-quality white varieties.

Tags: export, Philippines, rice, Myanmar