Myanmar

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,…

Economic growth and an expanding urban middle class supported strong growth in sales of snacks for much of the review period, although low disposable incomes in rural areas hinder demand and many consumers save their money for basic essentials. Since…

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.…

Retailing in Myanmar has been negatively impacted by the ongoing political crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to 2020, new retail outlet openings slowed down significantly across the country in 2021 while some outlets closed down altogether…

In 2021, alcoholic drinks continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however the recovery has begun and off-trade consumption has slowly started to shift back to the on-trade. Likewise, the country is under political unrest due to the coup in…

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…

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…

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…

Consumption of tax-paid cigarettes continued to fall in 2020 and 2021, with many consumers eschewing locally manufactured cigarettes in favour of either illicit imports or traditional cheroots and quids. Demand for the Red Ruby brand dropped sharply…

In 2021, demand towards tissue and hygiene products has remained stable. This is due to urbanisation and the acceleration of the pace, meaning that demand for convenience is rising which supports positive growth across retail tissue and hygiene.…

In 2021, demand for beauty and personal care in Myanmar has remained steady. However, current value and volume sales have not yet recovered to the pre COVID-19 levels due to the negative impact both the pandemic and the coup is having on the economy.…

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…

Overall, dairy products and alternatives are expected to recover from the political and economic shocks in 2022, with the leading brands driving demand. However, dairy products and alternatives face new challenges as fuel and oil prices rapidly…

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…

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 military takeover in 2021 has swept years of economic progress away, hampering the business environment in Myanmar. Starting a business in the country became even more difficult, due to an inefficient judicial system, complicated access to…

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,…

The military takeover in 2021 swept years of economic progress away, aggravating economic growth. The political crisis resulted in hampered industrial activities, a widening budget deficit, retreating FDI and limited employment opportunities, yet…

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…