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<p>Since 2012, when the EU granted Burma duty-free, quota-free market access on "Everything
But Arms", EU imports from Burma have risen almost ten-fold, to €1,558 million
in 2017. Most of the EU's imports are of textiles and apparel. This has substantially
expanded employment opportunities for women in Burma. The direct impact of a decision
to suspend preferences and re-introduce tariffs would not be on the military, but
on the textile businesses and their employees, including many vulnerable women employed
in Burma's garment sector. We are working with Member States, and are in discussions
with the Commission, to ensure that the likely impacts are thoroughly considered before
any decision is made. The UK was instrumental in renewing and expanding the EU arms
embargo on Burma earlier this year, and securing targeted EU sanctions on seven senior
members of the Burmese military.</p>
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