Myanmar situation

[Jagfarms]

Is the situation in Myanmar effecting the prices of
commodites?

[charliep]

Short answer yes in light of generally tight world supplies. A pulse crop exporter. Can't afford and make the assumption food aid will be let in.

Your questions always make me google to look for answers. Here is some of what I found (some dated).

http://www.allmyanmar.com/new%20allmyanmar.com/myanmar%20agriculture.htm

http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200310/145986351.pdf

http://www.traveldocs.com/mm/economy.htm
(NOTE THAT BEANS AND PULSES ARE 9.1 % OF THEIR EXPORT VALUE)

http://www.usdathailand.org/upload/Burma_Market/BM7016GP.doc

[mcfarms]

I was going to repy much as Charlie did for you as far as pulses and as far as rice, there was a lady speaking about the situation on the radio tonight when I was spraying, she said Myanmar may have to import rice this year beacause of the typhoon usually a major net exporter, She likened the situation to being as if the Americans had a weather disaster that forced them to import corn.(Not good) and then went on to say the gov't of Myanmar is seizing(stealing) alot of the aid supplies that are going in.

[furrowtickler]

mcf - I heard the same thing about the Myanmar g'ovt. The head of state if true shoud be put to the fireing squad asap!

[charliep]

Didn't go to Myanmar but trekked with someone who was there just before. He said you had to be self sufficient while traveling there but he commented how friendly the people were and how interesting the country is. Common everyday people are the ones suffering even before the cyclone. Most tourists are afraid to go here because of the government situations and this is impacting the everyday person who runs a small hotel/tourist based restraunt.

Will note the following thinking that provided a reality check.

You can easily live on $25/day in both Cambodia and Laos. Your budget is $6 to $10 for a hotel (newer/clean - likely a 2 star rating). A good nutritious meal - $2/meal or $6 for the day. Transportation (bus, tuk tuk/motorcycle cab) - $6/day assuming 2 people sharing a tuk tuk. $5 left over for other activities and/or beer - latter $1/660 ml bottle and very good.

Average income both countries likely around $300/year. $25/month.

Average tourist spends as much money every day as what someone in that part of the world supports their family on every month.

To the original question, the tie between pulse prices and Myanmar is there. Situation in India and their buying patterns will be the factor to watch on pulses.