Timber prices soar in Arakan State amid supply shortages

By Admin 20 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

20 January 2026, Kyauktaw

Timber traders in Arakan State say timber prices have soared sharply, while demand from buyers and builders remains low.

Current timber prices vary by type. Before the conflict, one tonne of hardwood sold for more than K3 million, but it now fetches about K8 million.

The price of one tonne of low-grade hardwood, previously over K1 million, has risen to K4 million, while a tonne of wood that once cost around K800,000 is now selling for more than K3 million.

Traders say reduced logging activity in Arakan State, coupled with disruptions to timber transport, is driving up prices across the region.

“The most popular timber comes from Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Manaung and Taungup. The logs are big and mature, so they are very expensive. But due to the fighting and rising fuel prices, boats carrying timber are not coming. Waterways are often restricted, so we can’t place orders,” said a timber trader in Arakan State.

In Arakan State, many homes and buildings were damaged by Cyclone Mocha in 2023, as well as by ongoing military conflict, making reconstruction difficult.

Residents say those whose homes were destroyed by Cyclone Mocha and the fighting are trying to rebuild, but soaring timber prices are preventing them from doing so.

“My house was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Mocha. It was built using timber and bamboo cut from the forest, but now it is damaged and I can’t rebuild it. I can’t afford construction materials, so I can only make repairs,” said a resident of Kyauktaw Township.

Forests in Arakan State are also being gradually depleted by illegal logging, including during and after Cyclone Mocha. The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army has issued regulations and taken measures to control illegal logging.

Illegal logging has long been carried out in various ways in Arakan State, and as a result of deforestation, local residents now face natural disasters such as floods and landslides each year.

According to 2020 data from the Arakan State Forest Department, the state has a total forest area of more than 2.76 million square kilometres.