Myanmar on U.S. Tariff: Response to U.S. Tariff with call for trade cooperation

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has sent an official letter to U.S. President Donald Trump in response to a recent communication regarding increased import tariffs on goods from 14 countries, including Myanmar. In the reply dated July 9, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the letter and acknowledged the United States' global leadership.

The Prime Minister welcomed the invitation to strengthen trade ties and thanked the U.S. for reducing its planned tariff on Myanmar exports from 44% to 40%. Myanmar proposed a balanced trade approach, suggesting reciprocal tariff adjustments, 10% to 20% on Myanmar exports to the U.S., and 0% to 10% on U.S. exports to Myanmar.

The letter also offered to send a high-level delegation to discuss trade cooperation further. The letter highlighted Myanmar’s economic challenges, including recent natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing recovery efforts.

The letter clarified Myanmar’s political transition in 2021, citing election fraud and reaffirmed the constitutional responsibility of Tatmadaw. It also reiterated Myanmar’s desire to maintain friendly international relations and urged the U.S. to lift current sanctions, which it said have negatively impacted the people of both countries.

It called for understanding and cooperation from the international community, emphasizing peace, mutual respect, and economic growth between Myanmar and the U.S.