‘Teak exports helping to fund junta’

FILE - A worker marks logs before transporting at a yard in Wuntho, northern Sagaing division, Myanmar, June 27, 2016. American companies are still importing teak from Myanmar despite sanctions imposed after the military seized power last year, a report based on trade data said Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)

AMERICAN companies are still importing teak from Myanmar despite sanctions imposed after the military seized power last year, a report based on trade data said.

Teak is one of the most valuable hardwoods, used in yachts, home flooring, doors, window frames and furniture. Myanmar is the biggest producer of the wood, even though its natural forests are dwindling.