The White House has announced that US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing warning that the US will impose a 40 percent tariff on Myanmar exports to the US starting August 1, 2025.
The letter, signed by Trump, warns that the US will impose additional tariffs on Myanmar exports that are routed through other countries to avoid tariffs. The US president has also sent a letter to relevant authorities warning that the tariffs will also be imposed on exports from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Japan and South Korea, including Myanmar.
The White House added that the 40 percent tariff is still less than what is needed to close the trade deficit between Myanmar and the US.
On the other hand, it added that Burmese companies that set up companies, invest and manufacture in the US will not be subject to tariffs.
Last April, the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) called on Myanmar to reconsider its decision to impose tariffs on US goods.
There has been no significant trade between the US and Myanmar since the military took power in Myanmar. However, garment exports to the US through so-called CMP (cut, make and package) garment factories continue.