As Myanmar State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets US President Barack Obama in Washington DC on 14 September 2016, groups warn against the lifting of remaining economic sanctions in view of a Constitution that continues to limit the ability of civilians to lead the country, as well as the continued human rights abuses especially against ethnic minority groups.

The Obama administration has progressively removed sanctions since 2012 as a response to the country's efforts at democratisation. Among the sanctions that remain are bans on trade and investment with the military, armed groups, and individuals who do business with the military, and restrictions on the importation of jade and other gems.