Myanmar Optimistic About U.S. Tariff Negotiations Despite 40% Trump Duties

Myanmar's military-led government remains optimistic about negotiating a reduction in U.S. tariffs, despite the imposition of a 40% import duty by former President Trump. According to Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar's State Security and Peace Committee, talks are ongoing, and the country has proposed lowering its tariffs on American goods from 88% to between 0% and 15%. Similarly, Myanmar anticipates U.S. tariffs could decrease to a range of 0% to 7%. The details of these negotiations are not fully disclosed, especially as U.S. sanctions target Myanmar's military officials following the 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Recently, Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, publicly praised Donald Trump in a rare letter, comparing their respective military coups and suggesting both leaders were victims of election fraud. Myanmar's trade with the U.S. remains modest, totaling $588.3 million in the past fiscal year, reflecting ongoing economic challenges and civil unrest since the military takeover over four years ago. Earlier this week, Myanmar lifted a 54-month state of emergency, paving the way for elections later this year, though interna...