Trump Eases Some Russia-Related Sanctions That Could Have Triggered 100% Tariffs on India

Trump Suspends Russia-Related Sanctions and Tariff Measures, Citing US National Interest

US President Donald Trump has waived the enforcement of certain sanctions, restrictions and duties linked to Russian energy exports under a law he signed last month, citing the “national interest” of the United States.

The waiver was issued under legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, which was designed to impose punitive measures on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The move suspends the implementation of the relevant tariff measures but does not cancel their formal imposition. This means Trump retains the authority to enforce them at a later date.

“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said in an executive order, according to Bloomberg. He added that he had submitted a certification to Congress stating that granting the waiver at this time was in the national interest of the United States.

Move Comes Amid Efforts to Ease Energy Prices

The decision follows Trump’s recent statement that the United States had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to bring down global energy prices, the Associated Press reported.

The waiver marks a temporary suspension of the measures rather than their permanent removal, leaving the administration with the option of implementing the sanctions and duties in the future.

The decision also comes amid broader concerns over the impact of Russia-related trade restrictions on global energy supplies and international commerce, including the potential consequences for countries such as India.