Myanmar’s Mango Market: Eyeing South Korea for Diversified Growth Amidst Stringent Quality Demands

Spread the news!

The global mango market is on the cusp of major development, as Myanmar stands poised to join the ranks of international suppliers to South Korea. Recent news that a major South Korean firm is negotiating import arrangements with Myanmar’s mango industry signals a potential shift in Southeast Asia’s export landscape. Currently, Myanmar predominantly exports fresh mangoes to China and supplies value-added mango products—like dried fruit and pulp—to Russia and other key destinations. Gaining access to South Korea’s lucrative market would not only reduce this overreliance on Chinese demand but also offer price resilience and opportunities for local growers to command premium prices in return for meeting strict quality and safety protocols.

However, tapping into this new channel is not without significant challenges. South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) enforces rigorous phytosanitary standards, with mandatory farm registration, annual inspections, strict traceability, and advanced heat treatment. These requirements will raise the bar for Myanmar’s growers and processors, but also potentially set a new national standard for quality. Success in the Korean market could trigger ripple effects: more stable and diversified markets, stronger farm incomes, and greater regional competitiveness for Myanmar’s mango sector. Weather, regulatory compliance, and evolving global consumption patterns remain pivotal for exporters as they navigate this new frontier.

📈 Mango Prices & Market Sentiment

Product Origin Location Delivery Terms Latest Price (EUR/kg) Previous Price Weekly Change (%) Sentiment
Mango dried (chunks: 2–3 cm, 13–19% moisture) Vietnam Hanoi, VN FOB 5.60 5.62 -0.36% Stable
Mango dried (slices 5–9 cm, chunks: 2–3 cm) Vietnam Hanoi, VN FOB 5.80 5.85 -0.85% Softening
Mango dried (normal sugar, 8–10 mm) Thailand Dordrecht, NL FCA 4.55 4.57 -0.44% Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

  • Export Diversification: Myanmar’s move to enter South Korea aims to decrease dependence on China, providing broader market exposure and new growth avenues.
  • Regulatory Barriers: Stringent APQA standards mean thorough phytosanitary certification, traceability, and joint inspections for qualifying shipments.
  • Partnerships: South Korean firms are expected to streamline import approval, but Myanmar must invest in compliance and better farm-to-export logistics.
  • Product Focus: Vietnam and Thailand continue to supply value-added mango products into Europe, keeping significant price pressure across the segment.

📊 Fundamentals & Trade Flows

  • Global Leading Exporters (2023): India, Mexico, Peru, and Thailand remain top for both fresh and processed mangoes.
  • Myanmar (2023/24): Heavily reliant on China (~85% of exports), with Russia and the Middle East as key secondary buyers for dried and processed mangoes.
  • South Korea: Imports limited volumes of high-standard mangoes, mainly from Southeast Asia. New suppliers face high regulatory hurdles but can access premium markets.
  • Stocks & Inventories: Market participants report steady inventory levels in Vietnam and Thailand; Myanmar is expected to have higher carryover after a bumper harvest.

☀️ Weather & Crop Outlook

  • Myanmar: Current weather forecasts call for scattered rainfall and above-average humidity over key central and southern mango-producing regions, which may delay harvest slightly but are not expected to significantly reduce quality or output.
  • Vietnam/Thailand: Stable monsoon conditions support continued healthy yields for dried mango processors.
  • Crop Watch: Monitor possible storms or heavy rain between June 28 and 30, which could impact late-harvest fruit quality, especially in Myanmar.

🌐 Global Comparison: Production & Trade

Country 2023 Production (mt) Export Focus Key Markets
India 24,700,000 Fresh, pulp Middle East, Russia, Europe
Mexico 2,200,000 Fresh USA, Canada
Thailand 3,600,000 Dried, Fresh EU, China, North America
Myanmar 800,000 Fresh, Dried China, Russia, S. Korea (pending)
Vietnam 990,000 Dried, Slices EU, Middle East

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Bullish: Approval of Myanmar’s mangoes in South Korea would open new high-value opportunities and could firm prices for quality-guaranteed lots.
  • Bearish: Continued heavy reliance on China poses price risks; further regulatory delays in Korea could cool market enthusiasm.
  • Actions for Growers/Exporters:
    • Invest in facilities to meet APQA’s requirements (certification, heat treatment, traceability).
    • Explore forward contracts with Korean partners for premium segments.
  • Importers/Buyers:
    • Monitor Myanmar’s compliance and potential liquidity from new Korean agreements.
    • Source from Vietnam/Thailand for stable dried mango supply in the interim.
  • Price Watch: Dried mango prices remain steady-to-soft, with minor weekly declines. Market is stable but may strengthen if Myanmar opens Korean trade.

⏳ 3-Day Regional Mango Price Forecast

Date Product/Origin Location Expected Price Range (EUR/kg) Trend
Jun 28 Dried Mango (VN) Hanoi, VN 5.55 – 5.65 Stable
Jun 28 Dried Mango (TH) Dordrecht, NL 4.50 – 4.60 Stable
Jun 29 Dried Mango (VN) Hanoi, VN 5.50 – 5.65 Softening
Jun 30 Dried Mango (VN) Hanoi, VN 5.45 – 5.62 Softening
Jun 30 Dried Mango (TH) Dordrecht, NL 4.48 – 4.58 Softening