The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has announced that the closure of China-Myanmar border trade gates by Chinese authorities has resulted in severe shortages of essential medicines, fuel, and consumer goods, causing significant hardship for civilians. During a media briefing on May 28, TNLA spokesperson Colonel Tar Pan La appealed to China for understanding and requested the reopening of border gates to alleviate these difficulties.
The border trade gates along the China-Myanmar border have been closed since June 2024, following the conclusion of Operation 1027’s second phase, marking over a year of closure. This suspension of Chinese imports into Myanmar has created a trade crisis among Myanmar merchants. The import restrictions affect a wide range of essential items that Myanmar’s population heavily relies on, including household goods, consumer products, medicines, electrical equipment, motorcycles, solar system equipment, and construction materials such as cement.
This closure of border trade gates has had a significant impact on the daily lives of people in border regions. The shortage of medicines and basic necessities has particularly affected local communities, while the halt in trade flow has led to price increases and worsening economic conditions. Furthermore, traders and business owners in the border areas are struggling to maintain their operations. The prolonged closure has created a ripple effect throughout the local economy, affecting not only large-scale traders but also small businesses and individual households that depend on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.
