US suspends trade engagements with Myanmar (Burma) until a democratic government restores

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Monday reflected on Myanmar’s current political situation and condemned the “Burmese security forces’ brutal violence against civilians.”

In a shocking turn of events, United States has decreed an ‘immediate suspension’ of all trade engagements with Myanmar under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. The suspension protocol will be effective until the return of a democratically elected government, informed U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Monday.

Tai wrote, “USTR will suspend all U.S. trade engagement with Burma under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.”

Advertisement

She further added, “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.”

Thousands of people reportedly fled across the border from Myanmar into neighboring Thailand after, what is known to be the bloodiest weekend the country has seen since the February 1 military coup. Earlier, Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government was overthrown by the Myanmar military and they have now detained the officials from the former government.

A Reuters report suggests, Saturday to be the bloodiest day of protests in the country with 114 people killed. Five more were killed on Monday here when thousands took to the streets again in opposition to the military returning to power after a decade.

In a statement on Monday, Tai reflected on Myanmar’s current political situation and condemned the “Burmese security forces’ brutal violence against civilians.” She also mentioned that the recent killings of peaceful protestors, students, workers, labor leaders, medics, and children has shocked the conscience of the international community.

“We strongly condemn the Burmese security forces’ brutal violence against civilians. The killing of peaceful protestors, students, workers, labor leaders, medics, and children has shocked the conscience of the international community,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai wrote in a tweet on Monday.

“These actions are a direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and the efforts of the Burmese people to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future,” Tai added who was sworn into office on March 18.

The coup, has reportedly reversed the years of progress toward democracy achieved after five decades of military rule. Myanmar’s current political situation has flagged concerns across the globe as the nation has been the focus of international scrutiny as security forces have repeatedly fired into crowds of protesters.

The military junta’s violent actions have been condemned by the U.S. and other countries. Despite the Biden administration’s announcement to suspend trade on Monday, generals appear undeterred, likely bolstered by continued backing from Russia and China, reported CBS.

According to a Reuters report, Tai also said, USTR would consider Myanmar’s situation as it works with the U.S. Congress on reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences program, which reduces U.S. tariffs and provides other special trade access for some developing countries.

The participation requires countries to maintain certain worker rights protections, and Tai said reports that Myanmar’s military leaders have targeted trade unions and workers for their role in pro-democracy protests raise serious concerns.