According to Burmese rice traders, the Burmese government restrictions on rice export which was originally put in place to prevent unapproved companies from exporting rice has lead to a steep rise in the domestic prices of rice.

Companies with export permits are allowed to buy 500,000 MT of rice in Irrawaddy division, which has a high rice yield, 100,000 MT in Bago division and 10,000 MT in Sagaing division.

Rice traders believe that prices could rise even higher if the government continues to issue permits for rice production.