Pajau Media
17th January, 2025
Residents report that despite the regular opening of the trade gate in Phimaw, located on the China-Myanmar border in Kachin State, the prices of goods have increased significantly. This has led to challenges in purchasing food, as imports from China have ceased, and goods are now solely being transported from Myitkyina-WaingMaw.
“The gate has been opened; however, there is no influx of goods. At present, we are relying on transportation from Myitkyina for our sustenance. All rare-earth mining sites are currently shut down, resulting in a scarcity of daily employment and a lack of income. It is not practical to purchase food continuously”, said a resident of Phimaw.
Currently, the Pangwa and Phimaw border trade gates in China remain operational; however, the movement of goods and fuel is prohibited. Only workers involved in rare earth mining are permitted to enter and exit through the Pangwa Gate.
Residents of Pangwa and Phimaw are required to transport fuel and various other goods from Myitkyina. Due to the prohibition on fuel passing through the WaingMaw 58th SAC’s checkpoint, transporting it via the main road presents significant challenges. The price of a liter of gasoline ranges from 50 to 60 Chinese yuan, equivalent to nearly 30,000 Myanmar kyats.
The price increase can be attributed to China's restrictions on imports and the transportation challenges arising from WaingMaw and Myitkyina.
In October 2024, following the offensive initiated by the KIA and allied forces against Pangwa, China shut down the trade gates. The KIA successfully seized control of Pangwa on October 18. Consequently, fuel supplies have been unable to enter the region since that time.
Furthermore, local residents report that administrative organizations have been systematically established and are now commencing operations under KIO administration in regions including Phimaw, Pangwa, and Kanpaik Ti.
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