Myanmar: Gem Traders Blame Smuggling on Tax Rate

Aug 4, 2017 | Htet Naing Zaw, Irrawaddy
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The government is losing a large sum on gems and jewelry sales as gems traders smuggle them into China because of a steep trade tax, said U Myint Han, vice chairman of Myanmar Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association. The tax in question—the Special Commodities Tax Law—was introduced in 2016 for the sales of natural commodities such as teak, hardwood, log, processed wood, jade and gems, as well as fuel, alcohol, beer, and cigarettes.