Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has expressed “sincere appreciation” for a letter from US President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs on Myanmar’s exports to the US. The letter, sent on July 7, 2025, notified Myanmar of a 40% tariff rate on its exports starting August 1, down from a previously threatened 44%. Min Aung Hlaing’s response is notable, given the international community’s general reluctance to engage with Myanmar’s ruling junta.
The US and most Western countries have not recognized the junta as the legitimate government of Myanmar, following the military’s seizure of power in 2021. The military’s actions have sparked a catastrophic civil war, with pro-democracy fighters and ethnic rebel groups battling the military across the country.
Despite this, Min Aung Hlaing has spun Trump’s letter as an “encouraging invitation to continue participating in the extraordinary Economy of the United States.” He has offered to send a high-level negotiation team to the US to discuss the tariffs.
Min Aung Hlaing has also requested that Washington consider lifting and easing economic sanctions on Myanmar, arguing that they “hinder the shared interests and prosperity of both countries and their peoples.” Additionally, he proposed a reduced tariff rate of 10% to 20% and offered to slash Myanmar’s levy on US imports to a range of zero to 10%. In exchange, Myanmar is prepared to lower its levy on US imports.
In his response, Min Aung Hlaing praised Trump’s “strong leadership in guiding his country towards national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot.” He also thanked Trump for “regulating broadcasting agencies and funds, which have sometimes exacerbated the existing conflicts,” likely referring to the Trump administration’s funding cuts to US outlets such as Radio Free Asia and Voice of America. Both outlets have been popular in Myanmar for their independent reporting, particularly after the junta’s crackdown on the free press.
Min Aung Hlaing further sought to appeal to Trump’s longstanding grievance over the 2020 US presidential election, stating that “similar to the challenges the President encountered during the 2020 election of the United States, Myanmar also experienced major electoral fraud and significant irregularities.” This claim is despite international observers concluding that Myanmar’s 2020 election was largely free and fair.
The letter from Trump is seen as a significant development, potentially marking a shift in Washington’s stance on the junta. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group noted that “it’s certainly the first public indication I’ve seen of US acknowledgement of MAH and the junta.” However, it’s unclear whether this signals a change in US policy towards Myanmar.
The situation is being closely watched, given the complex dynamics at play. Myanmar’s military government has been increasingly dependent on its allies, China and Russia, for economic and military support. The US recognition, albeit limited, could potentially impact these relationships.