At dawn, Yangon's fish markets are a bustling scene of activity as workers sort through vast piles of fresh supplies along the banks of the Hlaing river. Shwe Padauk Fish Market, home to almost 500 vendors, and the older San Pya Fish Market are crucial transit points for protein that feeds millions across the city. About 400,000 viss (over 650,000 kilograms) of freshwater products pass through Shwe Padauk daily, alongside marine goods.
Economic and Political Challenges
However, the markets are not immune to Myanmar's five-year-old civil war. The conflict has led to a significant number of young men leaving the country to seek work abroad, avoiding conscription. Additionally, fighting in Rakhine, a major seafood supplier, has disrupted business. A supervisor noted, 'For about five months, business hasn't been good. Many of the workers have gone to Malaysia to work abroad.'
Impact of Global Events
The global rise in fuel costs, exacerbated by the Iran war, has driven up the price of fish, impacting demand. A 40-year-old seafood dealer from Shwe Padauk, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said, 'My income has dropped this year. Commodity prices have gone up and sales have also dropped among the vendors. Because the prices are so high, it must be that people cannot afford to buy and eat much fish anymore.'
Workers' Plight and Market Dynamics
Workers at the markets earn between 15,000 to 25,000 kyats ($7 to $12) a day, more than garment factory workers. Despite the competitive nature of the market, the dealer emphasized, 'Outside, we're like brothers. But inside the market, business is business. When fish is scarce, we have to fight each other for it. Once we head home, though, we're back to being brothers again.'
