Myanmar

In 2023, Myanmar's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and military coup faces new challenges due to global inflation. Soaring prices have led to decreased purchasing power, prompting a shift in snack consumption patterns. Consumers are downtrading…

Consumption of tax-paid cigarettes continues to fall in 2022, with many consumers eschewing locally manufactured cigarettes in favour of either illicit imports or traditional cheroots and quids. Demand for the Red Ruby brand continues to decline…

Retail in Myanmar witnessed double-digit growth in current value terms in 2022 but this was largely driven by high inflation and the depreciation of the local currency exchange rate. Households became more price sensitive amidst declining purchasing…

In 2022, alcoholic drinks recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic in line with restrictions easing, which has had numerous benefits for on-trade sales. However, the industry overall now faces a new set of challenges due to global inflation which is…

Military rule is hindering democracy and has led to ‘repressed’ economic freedom. Disruption to business and consumers lives caused by the coup has also significantly impacted the economy, which will post anaemic growth in the short term, amidst an…

2022 is characterised as a normalisation period as the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end. Categories that benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic such as dishwashing is now seeing slowed sales as consumers spend less time in their homes. Meanwhile,…

Tissue and hygiene saw dynamic growth in current value terms in 2022, but this was largely driven by high inflation and the depreciation of the local currency exchange rate with volume growth being more stable. Households became more price sensitive…

Modest sales growth was seen in beauty and personal care in 2022 as household spending remained under pressure. The exchange value of the kyat continued to slide in the wake of the 2021 military coup, although demand continued to increase as…

In 2022, soft drinks in Myanmar is seeing an improvement in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, with recovery being seen. However, the industry now faces a new set of problems due to extortionate inflation rates and international fuel shortages.…

In 2022, hot drinks in Myanmar is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the coup. However, the industry now faces new challenges due to international inflation rates and fuel shortages. However, most categories are surviving due to the essential…

The major progress that was being seen in the development and growth of staple foods over the first half of the review period has been arrested by three major events: the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the civil unrest that has plagued Myanmar since the…

Solid sales growth was seen in consumer health in 2022 despite the impact of the February 2021 military coup on demand. Some categories such as weight management and wellbeing and sports nutrition recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, while topical…

In 2023, baby food has seen retail price increases, especially for imported products, due to the weakening of the local currency. Despite these challenges, the category remains promising, driven by growing adoption rates and repeat purchases among…

Sales of cooking ingredients through the foodservice channel return to growth in 2022 as COVID-19 fears subside. However, total volume sales decline as prices rise due to the depreciation of the local currency and inflation. Local manufacturers also…

Myanmar struggles with lack of political and economic stability, weak financial sector and widespread corruption, limiting its business environment. The country also face increasing issues with its vast informal labour market, poor financial system,…

The number of households is set to increase rapidly in Myanmar over 2021-2040, with couples with children remaining the dominant household type. While household earnings have already recovered from the COVID-19 impact, the fastest household…

The report examines the economic landscape of Myanmar and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade, investments and government finance. The economy in Myanmar expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing private…

Urbanisation trend to continue in Myanmar, as major cities continue to attract due to better opportunities. Mandalay and Monywa are Myanmar’s most economically vibrant cities, as they are the country’s major trade centres. Nevertheless, Yangon holds…

The continuing political turmoil in the country may hinder income and consumer market growth over the short to medium term, although in the long term the consumer market might expand. Consumer sentiment will be held back by the political crisis,…

Rapid population expansion in 2021-2040 will be driven by natural increase. The ageing trend will accelerate; however, Myanmar will remain relatively young in a regional context and if prepared it could take advantage of a demographic dividend over…