The United States suspended trade engagement with Myanmar on Monday after the country experienced its most deadly crackdown of protests since the military coup in February.
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced the suspension of U.S. collaboration with Myanmar, also known as Burma, through the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) “effective immediately,” according to a release from her office.
The office’s statement indicated that the suspension will stay in place “until the return of a democratically elected government.”
“The United States supports the people of Burma in their efforts to restore a democratically elected government, which has been the foundation of Burma’s economic growth and reform,” Tai said in the statement. “The United States strongly condemns 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,” she added. “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.”
Under the TIFA, Myanmar’s government had committed to working with the U.S. to back labor rights, economic reforms, development and trade integration. But the USTR noted that reports have surfaced that the Myanmar junta has gone after trade unions and workers for participating in pro-democracy demonstrations.
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US suspends trade engagement with Myanmar after deadly crackdown of protests https://t.co/99ZzznJh27 pic.twitter.com/dBKn9gncoE
— The Hill (@thehill) March 29, 2021
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