Trump puts new Russia tariffs and sanctions on hold

Donald Trump has waived new tariffs and sanctions aimed at Russia under a law he signed last month, putting on hold measures intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. His executive order, dated 16 October, does not repeal the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act or lift existing US sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders. [1] [3]

The order sets out an additional 500% tariff on goods from Russia — not just Russian energy products — and an additional 100% tariff on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas if they knowingly make new purchases from 18 October. It also sets out a 100% tariff on goods from the five largest facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. Trump waived those duties, along with specified sanctions and restrictions under the Graham Act. The order does not name the countries that would be affected. [1]

Trump signed the law on 18 September. The waivers have no fixed end date: they remain in effect until the president or designated officials decide further action is appropriate. [1]

Trump says he submitted a certification to Congress stating that the waivers are in the US national interest, together with a report explaining the basis for that decision. The White House had not immediately explained its reasoning publicly, according to the Associated Press. [1] [3]

Nieuws.nl linked the move to an effort to lower diesel prices before November’s midterm elections. Trump had announced an agreement to buy Russian diesel the previous week, AP reported, but the executive order does not give diesel prices or the elections as its reason for the waivers. [1] [2] [3]