Myanmar earthquake: assessing the humanitarian and economic toll
Mar 31, 2025
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Dr. Sean Turnell, former economic advisor to Myanmar’s State Council, provides a gripping analysis of the catastrophic earthquake's impact on Myanmar. He discusses the alarming death toll and the staggering challenges facing rescue operations amid political turmoil. Turnell highlights the resilience of the people as they deal with economic instability worsened by the military coup. He also stresses the urgent need for political reform to facilitate humanitarian aid and rebuild the nation in the face of daunting economic hurdles.
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
South African businesses are focusing on mending trade relations with the US in response to concerns over land reform policies and potential tariff implications.
Deep dives
Myanmar's Economic Crisis Post-Earthquake
The humanitarian situation in Myanmar has intensified following a devastating earthquake that has led to a significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. Over 2,000 people have died, and countless hospitals and buildings are reported as either damaged or destroyed, severely hindering rescue efforts and aid delivery. The economic landscape is dire, having been deteriorating since the military coup in 2021, which shifted the government’s focus to a war economy while stifling growth. Recovery from the earthquake will be extremely difficult due to limited resources, lack of infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts exacerbating pre-existing economic struggles.
Impacts of South Africa's Strained US Relations
South African businesses are focusing on repairing relationships with the United States amid rising tensions surrounding trade policies and land reform issues. Preparations for a potential bilateral trade deal are underway as South Africa aims to maintain duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which significantly affects the economy. The agricultural and automotive sectors stand to be most impacted by any loss of AGOA benefits, as these industries highly depend on this trade arrangement. To mitigate concerns and enhance ties, South African business leaders are reaching out to American counterparts to emphasize a commitment to maintain prosperity and stability in trade relations.
Economic Consequences of Secondary Tariffs in the US
The introduction of secondary tariffs by the US government is anticipated to provoke significant economic repercussions, primarily by increasing the cost of living and potentially triggering stagflation. There is concern that consumers and businesses will reduce spending in response to rising prices, leading to a decline in national output. Countries targeted by these tariffs, mainly China and the European Union, may lose market share in the US, complicating their economic recovery efforts if they cannot quickly redirect exports elsewhere. This ongoing volatility primarily stems from political decisions, leaving many nations to adjust their trade strategies to lessen the impact on their economies.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, the official death toll has now exceeded two thousand. Sam Fenwick examines the country's economy as rescue operations continue and preparations for rebuilding begin.
The world watches closely as President Trump’s so-called "Liberation Day" on tariffs approaches.
Plus South African businesses work to repair relations with the US following criticism of the country's land reform policies.
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