Myanmar’s trade deficit has widened on the back of fluctuations in commodity prices, illegal trade and a weaker currency. In 2016-17, the trade deficit amounted to over US$5.5 billion, up from US$5.4 billion in 2015-16 and US$4.9 billion in 2014-15, according to the statistics released by the Central Statistical Organisation. Among the country’s imports is diesel. Between September 17 and September 23, Myanmar imported over 64,000 tonnes of diesel worth US$32 million by sea, representing an increase of over 278,800 MT compared to the week before.