Thailand, Myanmar plan JTC revival with US$12bn trade goal

Thailand will host the ministerial-level talks, which are expected to focus on removing barriers to trade, investment and cross-border commerce.

A priority for Bangkok is seeking greater flexibility and clarity in Myanmar’s import-licensing system.

Bilateral trade was worth US$7.39 billion, or 244.05 billion baht, in 2025.

Thailand exported goods worth 146.75 billion baht to Myanmar and imported 97.30 billion baht.

Myanmar’s import controls have been a continuing concern for Thai exporters.

The Department of Foreign Trade has previously identified import licensing among the issues affecting cross-border commerce and intended for discussion through the JTC mechanism.

Import licensing tops Thai agenda

Thailand wants Myanmar to make import licences easier to obtain and provide businesses with clearer procedures, allowing exporters to reduce delays and plan shipments more effectively.

Myanmar resumed issuing import licences for goods entering through the Myawaddy Bridge 2 checkpoint after it reopened in May, but Thai trade authorities have continued to identify import controls as an important constraint.

Thai proposals also cover financial cooperation, additional border crossings where conditions permit, the establishment of bilateral working groups and cooperation on existing and new energy projects.

Bangkok also wants national and local chambers of commerce in both countries to play a larger role in facilitating private-sector links.

The two sides are considering broader economic cooperation beyond merchandise trade.

Thailand has proposed expanding the use of the baht to investment transactions, in addition to trade settlement, to make transactions easier for Thai businesses and reduce reliance on third currencies.

Foreign-exchange controls remain another practical concern.

Myanmar has adjusted some requirements governing exporters’ foreign-currency earnings, but currency conversion rules and financial restrictions remain factors businesses must monitor.

Opportunities extend beyond goods exports

A Commerce Ministry source said easing import-licensing restrictions could improve market access for Thai exporters, particularly suppliers of machinery, construction materials and cement.

Closer investment links could also create opportunities in energy, manufacturing, finance, construction, logistics and services.

Thai businesses establishing operations in Myanmar could generate further demand for Thai raw materials, machinery, components and services through supply chains connected to Thailand.

Myanmar, meanwhile, is seeking to strengthen domestic manufacturing and food security, add value to locally produced raw materials and increase agricultural and industrial exports.

Products identified for further value-added development include rice, fragrant rice varieties, pulses, maize, rubber and fisheries products.

Its economic priorities also include exploration for new energy resources, expanding crude-oil and natural-gas refining capacity, greater use of local currencies for international settlement, development of economic zones and industrial estates, and improvements to transport, logistics and investment regulations.

Border trade brings opportunities and risks

Thailand also relies on Myanmar for raw materials, particularly agricultural products such as feed maize.

Thailand extended the permitted import period for feed maize from neighbouring countries in 2026 under existing arrangements, while the Commerce Ministry has measures governing imports of maize produced without agricultural burning.

Greater access to Myanmar supplies could broaden sourcing options and potentially lower input costs for animal-feed producers and related industries.

For Thai farmers, however, cheaper imported agricultural products could put pressure on domestic farm-gate prices, requiring the government to balance industrial competitiveness against farmers’ income.

Businesses also face several other risks:

• Regulatory uncertainty: Frequent changes to import controls and trade conditions can make costs and business planning difficult to predict.
• Financial and exchange-rate risks: Currency volatility, restrictions on money transfers and financial regulations can complicate transactions.
• Border disruption: Security or other developments affecting crossings and transport routes can increase logistics costs and delay deliveries.

Border trade reached 92.73 billion baht in first half

Thai-Myanmar border trade totalled 92.73 billion baht from January to June 2026, comprising 57.17 billion baht of Thai exports and 35.56 billion baht of imports.

Thailand recorded a border trade surplus of 21.61 billion baht.

Major imports included natural gas, mineral ores and cereals, while major Thai exports included mobile phones, diesel and agro-industrial products.

In 2025, border trade was worth 193.66 billion baht, down 7.4%, with tighter Myanmar import controls contributing to weaker trade in the second half of the year.

Myanmar was Thailand’s 21st-largest trading partner in 2025.

Major Thai imports from Myanmar included natural gas, mineral ores and aquatic products, while key exports included mobile phones, diesel and agro-industrial goods.

Reviving the JTC is intended to give the two governments a formal channel to address import licensing, customs procedures, border crossings and transport continuity while pursuing the US$12 billion trade target by 2032.