Myanmar Spring Chronicle – July 10 Perspective
(Moemaka, July 11, 2025):
A Letter Back to President Trump from the Myanmar Junta Leader, and Major Drug Seizure Near Var Bridge
On July 7, U.S. President Donald Trump sent out official notification letters to around 100 countries, including Myanmar, regarding his administration’s intention to increase import tariffs. The military council of Myanmar acknowledged receipt of the letter and responded on July 9 with a reply letter.
While the Trump administration sent the same notification to many countries, for Myanmar’s junta—which seized power by force and remains diplomatically isolated—the letter was interpreted as a form of diplomatic recognition. The regime appeared to welcome it politically, ignoring the potential economic consequences of increased tariffs on Myanmar’s economy.
The new U.S. tariffs will raise import duties on Myanmar goods from the current 5–20% range to up to 40%. This will most significantly impact Myanmar’s garment industry. The Trump administration cited trade imbalance and discriminatory practices, such as Myanmar’s imposition of import tariffs as high as 80% on some U.S. goods. Although not explicitly stated, the move appears to target Chinese investments in Southeast Asian countries producing goods for re-export to the U.S., with Myanmar among the affected nations.
Besides Myanmar, other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos have also been listed with tariffs ranging from 40–49%. This measure aims to curb Chinese companies from using neighboring countries as manufacturing bases to access the U.S. market.
For Myanmar’s junta, however, being included in the list—and receiving a direct letter—was seen as a symbolic diplomatic recognition. They responded with a letter on July 9 offering to reduce Myanmar’s import tariffs on U.S. goods from 0–10% in exchange for lowering the U.S. tariff rate to 10–20%. The junta also proposed sending a delegation for trade negotiations, praised President Trump’s global peace efforts, and cited Myanmar’s status as one of the least-developed countries.
They referenced the effects of COVID-19, natural disasters like Cyclone Mocha and monsoon flooding, and the recent earthquake in Mandalay and Sagaing as reasons why increased tariffs would be harmful. The junta’s response also included justifications for its power seizure and expressed admiration for Trump, signaling a clear attempt to improve relations with the U.S., despite its dependency on China.
Drug Bust Near Var Bridge in Chin State
In another major development, more than 100 kilograms of heroin and approximately 3 million stimulant tablets were seized in Chin State near the Var Bridge in Falam Township. The drugs were being transported in two vehicles from Sagaing Region into Chin State and were intercepted. The operation reportedly involved members of the 15th Battalion of the Yinmarbin District PDF (People’s Defense Force), who were escorting the shipment.
Three PDF members and two drivers were arrested; two others escaped. It is not the first time PDF-linked personnel have been implicated in drug transport into Chin State. Previously, the Chin Defense Force in Hakha also intercepted drug shipments, conducted interrogations, released videos, and burned the confiscated drugs.
While not all armed groups are involved in drug trafficking, it is known that some groups have used it to finance their operations. Since the post-communist era, parts of northern, eastern, and southern Shan State have been involved in opium cultivation and drug trade, often linked to Chinese networks.
Myanmar has become a global hub for drug production, shifting from opium and heroin to mass production of methamphetamine. The drugs in this latest seizure were believed to be en route to India and likely originated in Shan State. What’s particularly concerning is that the traffickers this time were members of a resistance PDF group, not junta-aligned forces.
The three PDF members from Yinmarbin District’s 15th Battalion were armed and carrying communication equipment during the transport, suggesting they were paid for this service. The main question is how far up the command structure the involvement goes.
While it is true that armed resistance requires funding, collaboration with the drug trade gravely undermines the credibility and moral standing of the revolutionary movement. This large-scale seizure is a serious incident, and the NUG (National Unity Government) must thoroughly investigate and take decisive action.