Trade at the Myanmar-China border halted as ethnic rebels fought junta troops, causing an estimated $500 million loss in commerce.
Trade Halted Amid Fierce Fighting
Trade across Myanmar’s shared border with China has halted due to a six-week offensive by ethnic rebels fighting junta troops in the country’s Shan state. The offensive has resulted in an estimated loss of over US$500 million in commerce since the fighting began, with fighting breaking out every 10-15 minutes in key border towns.
Potential Rise in Prices
This has left commodities stranded at the border gate, and residents and merchants are awaiting a hike in prices, as the costs of transportation have skyrocketed resulting in losses for merchants and farmers. Despite talks between the junta’s peace negotiation committee and the Three Brotherhood Alliance to end conflict in Shan state, fighting continues daily in the region and trade won’t resume anytime soon.
