Taiwan Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Fellow Democracies, Rejects Economic Dependence on China 
Rafah Border Crossing to Reopen for Palestinians as Israel Coordinates with Egypt and EU 
Russian Drone Strike Kills Miners as Ukraine Pushes for Peace Talks Amid Energy Crisis 
China and Uruguay Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Shifting Global Order 
UN Peacekeepers to Deploy Ceasefire Monitoring Team to Eastern Congo After Doha Talks 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Investors Eye Big Tech Earnings and AI Momentum 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
Christian Menefee Wins Texas Special Election, Narrowing GOP House Majority 
Venezuela and U.S. Move Toward Renewed Diplomatic Relations 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
Trump Spoke With FBI Agents After Georgia Election Office Search, Report Says 
Laura Fernandez Set to Become Costa Rica’s Next President, Promising Sweeping Political Change 
Trump Says U.S.–Iran Talks Continue as Military Tensions Remain High 
Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions 
Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
Costa Rica Election: Laura Fernandez Wins Presidency as PPSO Secures Congressional Majority 
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has formally requested a reduction in the 40% U.S. tariff on Myanmar exports, proposing a revised rate of 10% to 20%, according to state media reports on Friday. The request was sent in response to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump notifying Myanmar of the imposed tariff hike.
In a bid to ease trade tensions, Min Aung Hlaing expressed readiness to dispatch a negotiation team to Washington to discuss terms. He also offered reciprocal trade terms, suggesting Myanmar would reduce its own tariffs on American imports to between 0% and 10%. The move signals Myanmar’s interest in maintaining economic ties and avoiding punitive trade measures amid growing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The senior general acknowledged the president’s strong leadership in steering the U.S. toward national prosperity and praised Trump’s patriotic commitment,” the report added, reflecting a diplomatic tone intended to strengthen bilateral relations.
The increased U.S. tariffs on Myanmar goods are part of a broader reshaping of global trade dynamics under Trump’s administration. Analysts say Myanmar, already facing international sanctions and economic strain, is eager to secure favorable trade conditions to support its export-driven economy, particularly in sectors like apparel and agriculture.
The proposal highlights Myanmar’s attempt to re-engage with key global markets and protect its economic interests amid shifting U.S. trade policy. Whether the Trump administration will entertain tariff adjustments remains uncertain, but the request marks a notable gesture from the junta to avoid further economic isolation.
This development comes as Washington reassesses its trade relationships across Asia, balancing strategic interests with economic engagement. Myanmar’s willingness to compromise may open the door for negotiations if U.S. officials see an opportunity to advance American trade goals while reinforcing regional influence.
