Mar 29, 2021 - Politics & Policy

U.S. government to suspend trade engagement with Myanmar

Shawna Chen

Photo of people holding three fingers up as they surround a coffin — People mourn during a funeral ceremony for a civilian who was killed by security forces of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The U.S. government will cut off all trade engagement with Myanmar as bloodshed continues in the Southeast Asian country, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said Monday.

Why it matters: Police have led an increasingly violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters since the military overthrew Myanmar's democratically elected government in February. Myanmar security forces killed over 100 people Saturday in the bloodiest day since the coup.

The state of play: The Biden administration has already sanctioned Myanmar military officials and imposed fresh export controls on the country.

Under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, the two countries pledged to work together on mutually beneficial economic reforms and trade.
"We support the people of Burma's efforts to restore a democratically elected government, which has been the foundation of Burma’s economic growth and reform," Tai tweeted.

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U.S. government to suspend trade engagement with Myanmar

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