Myanmar Jadeite Rough Supply Continues to Tighten, High-End Market Prices Soar, Industry Faces Structural Adjustment

【Yangon/Guangzhou, March 28, 2024】 The global jadeite market has once again turned its attention to Myanmar. Recent market monitoring data indicates that due to the complex internal situation in Myanmar and adjustments in mining policies, the supply of jadeite rough continues to be tight. Particularly, prices for high-quality ice-jade and glass-jade materials have shown significant increases. Industry experts point out that this round of price fluctuations is not a short-term phenomenon but signals a profound structural adjustment within the global jadeite industry chain.

Since March, mining activities in major jadeite mining areas in Myanmar, especially in the Hpakant region, have been severely restricted, leading to a sharp decrease in the quantity of rough materials entering the market. According to incomplete statistics, the total volume of Myanmar jadeite rough entering the Chinese market this month has decreased by approximately 15%-20% compared to the same period last year. Among these, the supply of high-grade rough, such as ice-jade and glass-jade, has seen a cliff-like decline, with a drop exceeding 30%.

"The scarcity of high-end jadeite rough is being magnified as never before," stated Li Ming, a renowned gemological expert and professor at the School of Gemology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), in an interview with our newspaper. "We have observed that the prices of top-grade ice-jade and glass-jade rough have generally increased by 10% to 25% over the past month, with some exceptionally fine pieces seeing increases of over 30%. In contrast, while prices for mid-to-low-end jadeite rough have also seen slight increases, the overall fluctuation range is smaller, and the market performance is relatively stable."

Professor Li further analyzed that this polarized market performance, on one hand, reflects the increasing prominence of high-end jadeite's non-renewable nature and collection value, attracting substantial capital and collectors. On the other hand, it also exposes the lack of price support in the mid-to-low-end market, given relatively stable supply and more rational consumer demand.

Market Data Insights:

* High-End Rough: High-quality jadeite rough, such as ice-jade and glass-jade, saw an average price increase of 15%-25% this month. Data from Guangzhou Hualin International Jewelry City shows that a moderately good ice-jade bangle material, which cost about RMB 150,000 per kilogram at the beginning of the month, has now surged to over RMB 180,000.
* Mid-to-Low-End Rough: Mid-to-low-end jadeite rough, such as glutinous-jade and bean-jade, experienced relatively stable price fluctuations, with an average increase of 3%-8%. Market inventory remains manageable, but in the long run, if supply continues to be restricted, their prices also face upward pressure.
* Transaction Volume: Overall transaction volume has declined, especially for high-end rough due to its scarcity, but the value of individual transactions has repeatedly hit new highs.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook:

The continuous tightening of jadeite rough supply undoubtedly poses significant challenges for downstream processing and retail businesses. Many small and medium-sized processing factories face the dual pressures of raw material shortages and soaring costs, with some even having to adjust production plans and shift to other types of jade.

However, challenges also come with opportunities. Industry insiders believe that this adjustment will accelerate industry consolidation, pushing enterprises to focus more on design innovation, brand building, and refined management. At the same time, it may also promote the development of the jadeite market towards greater transparency and standardization.

"In the future, the value of jadeite will be increasingly reflected in its rarity, craftsmanship, and cultural connotations," predicted Zhang Hua, a veteran jadeite merchant and Vice President of the Yunnan Jadeite Association. "As Myanmar's mineral resources are increasingly depleted and mining costs continue to rise, the investment and collection value of high-quality jadeite will further stand out. For consumers, purchasing jadeite will focus more on its artistic value and cultural heritage, rather than merely its commodity attributes."

Looking ahead, the jadeite market may exhibit the following trends:

  • High-End and Boutique Focus: The scarcity of top-tier jadeite will keep its prices strong, making it a hot spot for investment and collection.

  • Branding and Differentiation: Branded enterprises will enhance product added value through design, craftsmanship, and service to gain market share.

  • Technology Empowerment: Technologies such as blockchain traceability and AI authentication are expected to be more widely applied in the jadeite industry, enhancing market trust.

  • Return to Cultural Value: As an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture, the cultural and artistic value of jadeite will be further explored and promoted.


Despite the current market uncertainties, jadeite, as a unique natural gemstone, its intrinsic value and cultural charm will always attract global attention. Industry participants need to assess the situation, actively respond to changes, and only then can they remain invincible in future market competition.