Sanctioning Burmese Teak

“I think it is important that the [European] authorities are aware of what an import of Myanmar teak means. This is something that is actively financing a very brutal regime, with human rights abuses. it would make more sense to make a total ban of Myanmar teak imports.”

Timo Schober, a journalist with Papertrail Media, has been instrumental in exposing the environmental and ethical crises surrounding Myanmar's teak trade. In a recent podcast, Schober delves into the history of Myanmar's decimated forest lands, revealing that they are now only 40% of their original size due to decades of exploitation. The military coup in 2021 intensified these issues, as Myanmar Timber Enterprises (MTE), a military-linked corporation, faced U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing its operations. Despite these measures, the international demand for Myanmar's natural-grown teak, particularly among the ultra-rich, has persisted, driving a trade worth at least $400 million since the coup. The investigations, conducted in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and 39 media outlets, uncover how traders bypass sanctions through complex legal loopholes, complicating enforcement and oversight.

Schober emphasizes the broader implications of this trade, where the environmental destruction intersects with human rights violations and global complicity. By focusing on consumer awareness, he and investigative reporter Shirsho Dasgupta highlight the need to challenge the demand for conflict-linked luxury products like teak. Schober’s analysis reveals the blurred lines of legality in the teak trade, as many traders claim compliance by purchasing teak before the sanctions or sourcing it through private entities. However, officials assert that the origins of the teak still tie it to military control, making these justifications tenuous at best.

Schober’s above quote is a resounding call to action that lays bare the stark consequences of continuing to trade in Myanmar teak. His words underscore the ethical and humanitarian responsibility that European authorities—and indeed, global leaders—hold in addressing the complicity of teak imports in funding Myanmar’s brutal military regime. This is not just about commerce or luxury goods; it is about lives, justice, and the moral integrity of nations that claim to uphold human rights. Schober points out the undeniable link between the demand for this prized wood and the perpetuation of systemic violence, oppression, and environmental devastation. His plea for a total ban is a bold reminder that economic policies are not neutral—they have direct, often devastating impacts on real people.

This quote cuts to the heart of the issue: awareness must translate into decisive action! To import Myanmar teak is to fund a military junta that has committed atrocities against its own citizens—people who are fighting not just for their freedom, but for their very survival. The veneer of legality surrounding these imports cannot mask the bloodstains beneath. Schober’s call for a comprehensive ban reflects the urgent need for Europe and the international community to reject complicity and prioritize human dignity over profit. It is a rallying cry for policymakers to align their actions with their principles, recognizing that silence and inaction make them accomplices to suffering. This is a moment to choose: either stand on the side of justice or enable the ongoing tyranny of a brutal regime.