2003-7-31
President of United States, George Bush signed a bill banning all imports from Myanmar, the bulk of which are garments in response to the country’s military dictatorship’s crackdown against the democratically elected opposition.
The House and Senate approved the sanctions bill in July after the ruling military junta in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a violent clash. In addition to the import ban, the measure will also freeze Myanmar assets in the U.S. and calls on other nations such as China and Thailand to cut off support for the government. Apparel is the country’s main U.S. export, accounting for $326.07 million and 159.7 million square meters equivalent for the 12 months ending May 30, according to the Commerce Department.
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