Imported products are perceived as having much higher quality than locally-made products, a sentiment that largely stems from consumer experience with inferior quality products produced by government-run enterprises.  U.S. products are considered high quality and are highly sought after, although higher price points remain an impediment to gaining market share.  In addition, banking sector instability and exchange rate fluctuations have significantly impacted import/export companies and consumers’ spending on imported products. 

Express Delivery 

The government granted a significantly larger number of permits to privately owned postal companies in June 2018, making the courier service market more attractive and more competitive for foreign investors. Connectivity to the rest of Southeast Asia is steadily improving. 

Trade Promotion and Advertising 

Below is a partial list of local newspapers, trade publications, trade promotion organizations, and radio and television broadcasters.  Most independent media organizations in Burma were closed by the government following the 2021 coup.  The U.S. Embassy in Yangon assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons and companies whose names appear in the following alphabetical list. 

E-Trade Myanmar  

Frontier Myanmar 

Myanmar Business Network 

Myanmar Business Today  

Myanmar Insider  

Nikkei Asian Review  

Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

American Chamber of Commerce’s (AmCham) Myanmar website 

Pricing 

The market is highly price sensitive. U.S. firms should be mindful of price sensitivity with Burma’s neighboring trading partners.  Retail prices depend on fluctuating exchange rates and the irregular availability of consumer goods transported from China, Thailand, India, Singapore, and other regional centers.  Real estate prices in urban areas and expensive transportation costs are impacting margins. 

Sales Service/Customer Support 

After-sales service and customer service, though lagging behind international standards, continue to improve in sectors that have foreign competition.  U.S. firms have a competitive edge due to their reputation for quality products and post-sales service reliability. 

Due Diligence 

U.S. companies are advised to utilize the services of local and international professional services companies which specialize in performing due diligence services due to the lack of readily available market and financial data on potential partners. 

Local Professional Services 

Since 2013, many business consultancies and legal, accounting, and market research firms have opened in Yangon. See AMCHAM Myanmar’s website for more details about AMCHAM Committees by category. 

• Principal Business Associations 

• Myanmar Computer Industry Association    

• Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)  

• Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association  

• Myanmar Hotelier Association  

• Myanmar Industries Association  

• Myanmar Medical Association (MMA)  

• Myanmar Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs Association  

• Myanmar Pulses, Beans & Sesame seeds Merchants Association   

• Myanmar Petroleum Trade Association  

• Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF)  

• Myanmar Retailers Association  

• Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association  

• Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA)  

• Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association (MYEA)  

U.S. Government Resources 

• OFAC Recent Actions | U.S. Department of the Treasury 
  Information on Burma-related U.S. government sanctions. 

• BIS Export Control 
  New Export Controls on Burma 

• Travel Advisory 
  Burma Travel Advisory 

• Business Advisory for Burma