Jade trade in Myanmar

The jade trade in Myanmar consists of the mining, distribution, and manufacture of jadeite—a variety of jade—in the nation of Myanmar (Burma). The jadeite deposits found in Myanmar's northern regions are the source of the highest quality jadeite in the world, noted by sources in China going as far back as the 10th century. Chinese culture places significant weight on the meaning of jade; as their influence has grown in Myanmar, so has the jade industry and the practice of exporting the precious mineral.

Myanmar produces upward of 70 percent of the world's supply of high-quality jadeite.[1][2] Most of the Myanmar's jadeite is exported to other nations, primarily Asian, for use in jewellery, art, and ornaments. The majority of the production is carried out by Myanma Gem Enterprise (MGE), a state-owned venture which has enough liquid assets to run itself for 172 years. [3]

  1. ^ Egreteau, Renaud (October 11, 2011). "Jade or JADE? Debating International Sanctions on Burma's Gem Industry". Asia Pacific Journal (132). hdl:10125/21489.
  2. ^ Hughes, Richard (2000). "Burmese jade: The inscrutable gem". Gems & Gemology. 36 (1): 2–26. doi:10.5741/GEMS.36.1.2. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  3. ^ Ryder, Brett. "Myanmar's state-owned enterprises show how much reform is still needed". The Economist. Retrieved 7 July 2020.