The U.S. May End Import Duties on Myanmar

The United States is reviewing trade relations with Myanmar in a move that could end import duties on thousands of goods from the Southeast Asian country which acting US Trade Representative (USTR) Demetrios Marantis is due to visit on Apr. 25, 2013.

Shortly before Marantis' departure for Asia last week, the US Trade Representative's office initiated the review, which could add both Myanmar and Laos to the Generalized System of Preferences program, which provides duty-free treatment for up to 5,000 types of goods from 128 countries and territories.

Marantis will meet government officials and business leaders in Yangon and the capital of Nay Pyi Taw.

The review is part of the Obama administration's efforts to help Myanmar's leaders create more jobs.

The United States has already rewarded Myanmar for political reform by lifting long-time economic sanctions and easing most of its ban on imports from the country.

Both governments recently have expressed interest in the Generalized System of Preferences program, USTR said in a Federal Register notice. The notice asked for public comment and scheduled a hearing for early June.