Overview

• President Trump informed Min Aung Hlaing by name that the U.S. will impose a 40% tariff on Burmese imports from August 1, down from a threatened 44% duty.
• Experts say the direct address marks Washington’s first public acknowledgment of the military regime since the 2021 coup.
• In a multi-page letter released July 11, the junta leader lauded Trump, adopted his unproven election-fraud claims and thanked him for cutting funding to U.S.-backed Burmese broadcasts.
• Min Aung Hlaing formally appealed for tariff rates to be lowered to 10–20% and urged the president to reconsider or lift existing economic sanctions.
• Voice of America and Radio Free Asia remain off the air in Burmese after funding cuts, as the junta deepens its reliance on China and Russia for support.