Introduction
Effective May 1, 2026, Myanmar has implemented new tariff rates for various commodities. The Ministry of Finance and Revenue issued Notification 49/2026 on March 30, 2026, increasing the tariff rates for a wide range of goods. This article will discuss in detail how these changes might impact the domestic economy and consumers.
Details of the New Tariff Rates
Notification 49/2026 increased tariff rates for selected commodities under the Myanmar Customs Tariff Schedule 2022. These commodities include fish and seafood, dairy products, tea and prepared foods, mineral and other lubricating oils, plastics and rubber, paper and textiles, lead and articles thereof, and electrical machinery.
The table below shows some of the revised tariff rates by ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) code [1].
| No. | AHTN Code | Previous Tariff Rate (%) | Revised Tariff Rate (%) under Notification 49 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0303, 0304, 0305 | 10 | 15 |
| 2 | 0402, 0406.20.10 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 0405, 0406 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 0902 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905 | 15 | 20 |
| 6 | 2710.19.46 | 1.5 | 3 |
| 7 | 3923.21, 3923.29 | 7.5 | 10 |
| 8 | 3923, 3924, 3925, 3926 | 5 | 10 |
| 9 | 4011, 4013 | 3 | 10 |
| 10 | 4802 | 3 | 5 |
| 11 | 6305 | 7.5 | 10 |
| 12 | 6601 | 15 | 20 |
| 13 | 7801 | 0 | 5 |
| 14 | 7804 | 3 | 5 |
| 15 | 8504 | 15 | 20 |
Economic Impacts
These tariff increases could have several impacts on various sectors of the domestic economy.
- Increased Prices for Imports: Higher tariffs will lead to increased costs for imported goods, which in turn could raise their prices in the domestic market. This may affect consumers’ purchasing power.
- Promotion of Domestic Production: Increased import tariffs can be an advantage for domestic producers. When prices of imported goods rise, local products become more competitive, thereby encouraging domestic production.
- Increased Government Revenue: The increase in tariff rates will boost government revenue, which can then be reinvested in national development projects.
- Impact on Investment: While increased tariffs on certain commodities might slightly affect foreign investment in those sectors, they could also stimulate investment in areas that promote domestic production.
Conclusion
Myanmar’s decision to increase tariffs on various commodities is a policy aimed at boosting state revenue and promoting domestic production. These changes are likely to have both positive and negative impacts on different economic sectors and consumers. Businesses and consumers are advised to be aware of these changes and adapt their financial management and business strategies accordingly.
References
[1] VDB Loi Myanmar. (2026, May 7). Myanmar Increases Tariffs on Several Commodities From May 2026. Retrieved from https://www.vdb-loi.com/mm_publications/myanmar-increases-tariffs-on-several-commodities-from-may-2026/
