Trade From The Cities Located In Chinese Border Has Ceased Due To The China’s Border Gates Closure

Pajau Media

25th October, 2024

Residents of Laiza report that the majority of individuals residing along the Chinese border primarily engage in trade involving products from the Chinese side. However, following the closure of all border gates by the Chinese authorities, they are experiencing significant challenges due to a shortage of food and essential goods.

The Chinese side primarily engages in the trade of vegetables, meat, and fish to the border regions. Furthermore, a beef trader from Laiza reported that beef traders have been unable to procure beef for approximately a week, as the Chinese trade gates are presently closed.

“Due to the absence of imports from the lower regions of Myanmar, China has become the primary trading partner. With China having closed all border gates, the sale of beef has ceased entirely. It has been approximately one week since beef has been unavailable. We must await the reopening of the gates. The cost of goods originating from lower Myanmar is significantly elevated; however, the prices of goods from the Chinese side remain reasonable,” said the above local resident.

There is almost no beef available at the present in Laiza market, and the beef that comes out of the region cost 40,000 kyats per viss. Eggs are said to be almost non-existent.

“Following the announcement that China has shut the border trade gates at 12:00 PM after the confiscation of Panwa, local residents have rushed to purchase goods. Consequently, prices have surged once more. There is a complete absence of meat, and even tomatoes are scarce in the market. As the majority of goods are sourced from the Chinese side, it has become exceedingly challenging for locals to obtain supplies,” continued the above women.

Following the assault by KIA joint forces, which resulted in the capture of border guard battalions in the Pang Wa region, the Chinese authorities have subsequently closed all border trade points within the KIA administrative areas, including Laiza, Mai Ja Yang, Loi Je, and Kanpaik Ti.

At present, the fuel and food items predominantly acquired and utilized in Kachin State are sourced from China. Furthermore, local residents report that the prices of the goods are rising daily following the closure of the border gates.