President Donald Trump on Oct. 16 signed an order waiving new U.S. sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia and major buyers of its oil and gas, saying the pause served U.S. national interests just two days before the penalties were due to begin.
The measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which Trump signed on Sept. 18 and which authorized the president to grant waivers by certifying that they served the national interest. The law allowed for a 500% tariff on Russian goods and 100% duties on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas if they made new purchases from Oct. 18; it also provided for penalties targeting countries helping Russia evade sanctions. Trump’s order waived the law’s sanctions, restrictions and duties, while directing officials to monitor Russian energy purchases and report developments to him.
The pause followed Trump’s announcement of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel onto global markets as energy prices climbed. The new law was intended to restrict revenue that could help fund Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the waiver drew criticism from lawmakers who said easing pressure could benefit Moscow. The order does not itself lift sanctions imposed under earlier authorities, and the administration can take further action later.