The Arakan Army (AA) has officially invited local merchants to apply for import permits to bring foreign alcohol brands into the 14 townships under its administration in Arakan State before Aug. 20.
The permits, which carry an application fee of 30,000 MMK ($6.90 USD) per businessperson, will be valid from August through December.
The permit scheme applies specifically to foreign alcohol brands sourced from the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Regulatory background and tax policy
The initiative marks the latest shift in the ethnic armed group’s regulation of commercial goods across its territory:
- December 2024 (Blanket Ban): The AA originally banned alcohol sales across all territories under its control to promote public order and cut off revenue streams to military-linked entities.
- April 2 – May 30 (Thingyan Relief): The ban was temporarily lifted during the Thingyan New Year festival to permit the sale and consumption of foreign alcohol.
- 50% Import Tax: Foreign liquor, beer, and spirits brought into AA-controlled areas are subject to a 50 per cent import tax.
- Military Brand Restrictions: Tax policies and import permissions explicitly exclude alcohol brands produced by military-owned conglomerates, such as Myanmar Economic Cooperation (MEC) and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). Banned regime-linked brands include:
- Myanmar Beer
- Andaman Gold
- Yangon Amber Beer
- Dagon Beer
- ABC Beer
- Black Shield
Spiraling market prices
Local residents and traders report that the prices of liquor, beer, and spirits across Arakan State have increased fivefold since April due to supply shortages and border blockades.
| Item | Current Price Range (MMK) | USD Equivalent |
| Grand Royal Whiskey (Bottle) | 70,000 – 120,000 MMK | $16.00 – $27.00 USD |
| Canned Beer (Single Can) | 10,000 – 17,000 MMK | $2.30 – $3.90 USD |
Territorial & strategic control
The administrative move reflects the AA’s strong consolidation of power across western Myanmar following its offensive launched on Nov. 13, 2023:
Arakan State & Neighboring Territorial Breakdown
├── Arakan State (17 Townships Total):
│ ├── AA Controlled: 14 Townships
│ └── Junta Controlled: 3 Townships (Sittwe [Capital], Manaung Island, Kyaukphyu Deep-Sea Port)
└── Regional Expansion Outside Arakan:
├── Chin State: Paletwa Township (Seized in 2024) & Southern Chin State
└── Central Myanmar Regions: Expanded offensives into Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwaddy