The U.S. lifted sanctions on several allies of Myanmar’s military rulers, two weeks after the junta leader praised Trump and called for easing sanctions in a letter responding to tariff warnings. Human Rights Watch described the move as “extremely worrying,” indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy amid concerns over military crimes, including crimes against humanity and genocide.
The Treasury Department removed KT Services & Logistics and its founder, Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung; MCM Group and its owner, Aung Hlaing Oo; Suntac Technologies and its owner, Sit Taing Aung; and Tin Latt Min from the sanctions lists, without explanation.
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Previously, these entities were sanctioned under the Biden administration, marking significant anniversaries of Myanmar’s military seizure of power in 2022, 2024, and the ongoing conflict. Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, had requested Trump reduce tariffs and was willing to send a delegation to Washington. He proposed lowering tariffs from 40% to 10-20%, with Myanmar reducing its import levies. He argued that easing sanctions would benefit both countries
Myanmar is a key source of rare earth minerals vital for high-tech and defense industries, with the U.S. keen on securing supplies amidst strategic competition with China, which processes 90% of the world’s rare earths. Most mining areas are controlled by the Kachin Independence Army, which fights the junta, and minerals are processed in China.
