Market Analysis Unit: Rapid Market Assessment – Sagaing Region (July 30, 2024) – Myanmar

This Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in South Sagaing Region. It provides township-level data on market functionality, activity, supply, and logistics. Data were collected through observation and KIIs with retailers during June 21-30, 2024. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit.

KEY FINDINGS

• Market operations were stable in June, and threeof-five markets were described as relatively safe;

• Retail activity grew in Monywa and Yinmarbin, but activity declined in Shwebo where security was poor;

• Supply remained quite poor in some markets, particularly Monywa and Yinmarbin;

• Supply of NFIs remained poorer than for foods, and supply of shelter and hygiene NFIs worsened in cases;

• Shipping costs rose 7% in Ye-U, althought shipping costs and lead-times were fairly stable elsewhere;

• Retail challenges grew considerably in Myaung, while Shwebo retailers reported the most challenges.

Regional Overview

Market Functionality – Security was poor in/around the Myaung and Shwebo markets, but operations were stable. Market operations and security were stable in June, with consistent market hours and no reports of new damage or closures. Observers described three-offive markets monitored as relatively safe.

Market Activity – Market activity was fairly stable, although it grew slightly in Monywa and Yinmarbin. Stable market conditions were accompanied by modest increases in customer and retailer activity in Monywa and Yinmarbin. Retail activity declined slightly in Shwebo where security was poor, but elsewhere it was stable.

Availability of Goods – Supply was mostly unchanged in June, and it remained very poor in Monywa and Yinmarbin. Supply of shelter NFIs worsened in Myaung and Shwebo in June, and supply of essential foods declined in Monywa. In general, supply of foods was better than for NFIs, and shelter and hygiene NFIs were most needed in the region.

Transport & Logistics – Shipping costs rose in twoof-five markets, but lead-times were stable. Shipping costs rose 7% in Ye-U and retailers said they rose in Monywa as well, but they were stable in three other markets. Supply lead-times ranged from two days to ten days, depending on the market, and they were largely unchanged since May. All markets monitored allowed cross-township movement of goods, but transportation remained difficult. Monywa, Mandalay, and Yangon were common sources of supply for markets in the region.

Retailer Challenges – Retail challenges grew in Myaung in June, yet they continued to be most severe in Shwebo. Retailers grew increasingly concerned about safety/security in June, particularly in Myaung, Shwebo, and Yinmarbin. Concerns related to poor cash access also grew in June, and this was a significant challenge for retailers in four-of-five markets monitored. Ye-U retailers reported the fewest difficulties related to retail, and inventory/market damage was not a major concern in any of the markets monitored.