On April 6, 2019, according to reports, U Win Htay, vice president of Myanmar Sugar and Sugarcane Entrepreneurs Association, said that due to insufficient demand in China, Myanmars Ministry of Commerce announced in March that 103 companies had suspended their sugar re-export licenses. 

Amoung of the 103 companies, 49 will be suspended for three months, while the remaining 54 companies have not yet exported and their licenses will be suspended for up to six months. Following an appeal from the import and Export Trade Commission, the affected companies were allowed to continue their operations until 31 March. U Win Htay said that Myanmars sugar trading companies have been unable to re-export sugar in recent months because of increased protective measures along the Sino-Myanmar border.