Myanmar Conflict Casts Shadow on Border Trade, Displacing Some Businesses in Ruili
Ruili, China – The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has cast a shadow overborder trade, impacting businesses and prompting some to relocate, according to fruit merchants in Ruili, a city in China’s Yunnan province bordering Myanmar.
Whileresidents in Ruili and Tengchong, another border city, report their daily lives remain largely unaffected by the conflict, fruit merchants are feeling the strain.
Fruit Imports Slow Down
A Tengchong-based fruit importer, who has been importing bananas from Myanmar for eight years, told Cover News that while the Honiu (Monkey Bridge) border crossing remains operational, business has slowed downsignificantly since March.
The fighting in Myanmar has made it difficult to transport bananas, leading to losses, he said. We used to import around 100 trucks of bananas daily during peak season, but now it’s downto six or seven.
Export Business Halted
He Kaiwen, a fruit exporter from Sichuan province who has been operating in Ruili for over 20 years, has decided to temporarily suspend his business and return to his hometown in Xichang.
The war has made it impossible for us todo business, he said. The fruit trade between China and Myanmar relies heavily on the 105-yard market in Muse, Myanmar, and the fruit market in Ruili. The conflict has disrupted the flow of goods through the Jiegao and Wanting border crossings.
Impact on Jade Trade
Theconflict has also affected the jade trade. A Ruili-based jade merchant reported that many Myanmar residents are seeking to enter China, but only those with proper documentation are allowed.
The fighting and road closures have made it difficult to transport raw materials and finished jade products, he said. It’s hard to getgoods in.
Life in Ruili Largely Unaffected
Despite the challenges faced by businesses, most residents in Ruili report that their daily lives remain largely unaffected. The Ruili border crossing remains open, and residents have access to essential goods and services.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Myanmaris having a tangible impact on border trade, particularly in the fruit and jade industries. While some businesses have been forced to relocate, residents in Ruili and Tengchong report that their daily lives remain largely unaffected. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact of the conflict on border trade remains to be seen.
References:
- Cover News, 瑞丽水果商人谈中缅边境现状：生意受影响，有人因此离开 (Ruili Fruit Merchants Discuss the Current Situation on the China-Myanmar Border: Business Affected, Some Have Left), October 22, 2024.
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