U.S. Embassy in Burma

**Policy History** The American people and the United States government have been working to support the people of Burma for decades, as the country worked to bring about change and progress. In 2016, the United States eased restrictions to allow U.S. companies to responsibly do business in Burma. The United States wants to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Burma in which people live in harmony and enjoy full rights. The United States is committed to supporting economic reforms in Burma that contribute to the country’s transition to a vibrant democracy and improve the lives of ordinary people. Currently there are very few economic policy restrictions; U.S. investment, imports of Burmese products into the United States (except for jadeite and rubies or products containing jadeite or rubies), and the use of the Burmese financial sector are fully authorized. Remaining restrictions, such as those on entities and individuals on the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and any investment with the military, are intended to target those who would obstruct democratic reform in Burma, participate in drug trafficking, abuse human rights, or propagate military trade with North Korea.