Trump pauses Russia sanctions and tariffs before start
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving major Russia-related sanctions and tariffs shortly before they were due to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he signed in mid-September. The White House order said Trump had certified to Congress that issuing the waiver was in the national interests of the United States. The suspended measures included duties on Russian goods, penalties targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas, and restrictions aimed at Russia's energy trade and related shipping networks. The decision came as Trump has taken a warmer public line toward Russia while also seeking lower fuel costs ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in early November.
Key Points
- The waived law would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on goods entering the United States from major importers of Russian crude oil or gas
- The legislation also targeted any country knowingly buying Russian oil or gas after the law's enactment, and countries among the top five helping Russia evade sanctions
- Xinhua said the waiver also froze restrictions aimed at Russia's “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and its energy and defense sectors
- Trump said the waiver would stay in effect until he or senior U.S. officials determine that “further action is appropriate.”
- According to Xinhua, Trump linked the move to an agreement for more Russian diesel supply and an energy infrastructure ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the immediate issue is energy pricing: both reports tie the waiver to efforts to increase fuel supply and avoid further rises in oil costs, which can feed into transport and business expenses globally. The move also shows Washington balancing pressure on Russia against domestic inflation and election politics, a combination that can quickly affect international markets and risk sentiment.