Embassy of the United States Rangoon, Burma

The United States has eased restrictions to allow U.S. companies to responsibly do business in Burma.  President Thein Sein, Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma continue to make significant progress along the path to democracy, and the government has continued to make important economic and political reforms. Easing sanctions is a strong signal of the United States’ support for reform, and will provide immediate incentives for reformers and significant benefits to the people of Burma.

Burma’s political and economic reforms remain unfinished. The United States Government remains deeply concerned about the lack of transparency in Burma’s investment environment and the military’s role in the economy.  The armed forces and Ministry of Defense-owned entities are not covered by the recent easing of restrictions.  In addition, U.S. companies will be asked to report on their activities in line with international corporate governance standards.  President Obama has also signed a new Executive Order that expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s existing sanctions authorities to those who undermine the reform process, engage in human rights abuses, contribute to ethnic conflict, or participate in military trade with North Korea.  This Order is a clear message to Burmese government and military officials:  those individuals who continue to engage in abusive, corrupt, or destabilizing behavior going forward will not reap the rewards of reform.  

On September 26, 2006 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the U.S. government will begin the process of easing restrictions on imports of Burmese goods into the United States. The importation of goods of Burmese origin into the United States has been authorize by the OFAC General License no. 18, however this general license does not authorize the importation into the United States of jadeite or rubies mined or extracted from Burma, or of articles of jewelry containing jadeite or rubies mined or extracted from Burma.

For more information, please refer to the Business section of the embassy website.

Guidelines and Information on Burma Sanctions – U.S. Treasury Department