In Mon State, brickmakers are suffering losses due to the suspension of construction projects dating back to February 2021.
Demand for bricks has dropped significantly as construction and renovation work has all but halted, according to a brick trader in Mudon Township.
He said, “after the coup, we did not do any construction projects. The bricks were there. They were already made. There was simply no demand and we have not manufactured any new bricks. Even now, there are no buyers, so we lose.”
He added that transportation costs have also risen due to rising fuel prices.
According to a brick kiln owner in Mawlamyine, the business is also suffering because the main source of firewood for the brick kiln has become scarce.
“It has become significantly more difficult than in previous years. The raw firewood is also scarce. Prices are going up,” he said.
Bricks are largely produced in Mawlamyine, Mudon, Kyaikmaraw and Ye Townships and were often sold to various townships and states throughout Myanmar.
