US lifts sanctions on Myanmar junta allies after general's letter to Trump

The United States has removed sanctions from several close business allies of Myanmar’s military rulers, just two weeks after the junta’s leader sent a letter praising US President Donald Trump and asking for help with reducing tariffs and easing sanctions.

The decision, announced Thursday by the US Treasury Department, did not include an explanation. It lifts sanctions on four companies and individuals previously blacklisted for their ties to Myanmar’s military regime.

The timing of the move has raised questions, as it comes shortly after Myanmar’s top general, Min Aung Hlaing, wrote to Trump, thanking him for his leadership and asking for economic relief.

KEY MILITARY-LINKED BUSINESS FIGURES REMOVED FROM LIST

The entities removed from the sanctions list include:

KT Services & Logistics and its founder were originally sanctioned in January 2022, one year after Myanmar’s military overthrew the country’s elected government. The sanctions were a part of the Biden administration’s response to the violent coup that sparked nationwide protests and armed conflict.

Sit Taing Aung and Aung Hlaing Oo were blacklisted the same year due to their involvement in Myanmar’s defence sector, a key source of power for the junta. Tin Latt Min was added to the list in 2024, marking the third anniversary of the military takeover.

Despite the reversal, the Treasury Department did not explain why these names were removed, and the White House has not commented on the matter. The silence from US officials has added to speculation over what might have influenced the decision.

On July 11, Myanmar’s top military commander, Min Aung Hlaing, sent a letter to President Donald Trump. In it, he praised Trump’s "strong leadership" and called him a "true patriot" who had guided the United States toward "national prosperity."

The letter was a response to a Trump notice informing Myanmar that the US would impose a 40% tariff on its exports starting August 1. In his reply, Min Aung Hlaing proposed a lower rate between 10% and 20%, offering to reduce Myanmar’s tariffs on US goods to 0%–10% in return.

Most notably, the general urged Trump to reconsider the US sanctions on Myanmar, claiming they hurt the mutual interests of both countries.

"The senior general acknowledged the president's strong leadership in guiding his country towards national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot," state-run media in Myanmar reported at the time.

Min Aung Hlaing also expressed willingness to send a delegation to Washington to negotiate.

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With inputs from Reuters