Trump Signals Two Final Candidates for Fed Chair, Calls for Presidential Input on Interest Rates 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners in U.S.-Brokered Deal Over Sanctions 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Trump Claims Pardon for Tina Peters Despite No Legal Authority 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Russian Drone Attack Hits Turkish Cargo Ship Carrying Sunflower Oil to Egypt, Ukraine Says 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Establish National AI Regulation Standard 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Judge Orders Return of Seized Evidence in Comey-Related Case, DOJ May Seek New Warrant 
Colombia’s Clan del Golfo Peace Talks Signal Mandatory Prison Sentences for Top Leaders 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
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.
