U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Myanmar Military Allies After Junta Chief Praises Trump

Arakan Now | July 25, 2025

The United States has removed sanctions on several close allies of Myanmar’s military leadership, just weeks after the junta leader praised former U.S. President Donald Trump and called for the easing of economic restrictions.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday lifted sanctions on: KT Services & Logistics and its founder Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung, MCM Group and owner Aung Hlaing Oo, Technologies and owner Sit Taing Aung and another individual, Tin Latt Min.

These names were previously sanctioned in 2022 and 2024 for their connections to Myanmar’s military and defense sector.

The U.S. did not give a reason for removing the sanctions, and the White House has not responded to media questions.

Human Rights Watch called the decision “extremely worrying” and warned it could signal a shift in U.S. policy toward the Myanmar junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup and is accused of crimes against humanity and genocide.

On July 11, Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing sent a letter to Trump asking him to reduce a new 40% tariff on Myanmar exports. He praised Trump as a “true patriot” and offered to send negotiators to Washington. He proposed a reduced tariff of 10%–20%, and promised to lower Myanmar’s tariffs on U.S. imports to 0%–10%.

The letter also asked Trump to lift U.S. sanctions, claiming they hurt the economic interests of both countries.