Trump suspends new tariffs on Russia and its trading partners
US President Donald Trump has decided for now not to impose additional tariffs provided for by a law strengthening sanctions against Russia. The order has been published on the White House website.
US President Donald Trump has decided, for the time being, not to introduce a number of additional tariffs required under a law that strengthens sanctions against Russia. The relevant order was published on the White House website. ERR radio news reported it on Saturday, 17 October.
What the law provided
Trump signed the law at the end of September. It called for restrictive measures to be introduced by 18 October, but it also allowed a delay if the president considers that to be in the national interests of the United States.
What has been suspended
Trump put on hold a 500% tariff on Russian goods. He also suspended a 100% tariff on products from the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. The order will stay in force until the US president and the secretary of state decide that the sanctions must be imposed.
Assessment
Political commentator Artyom Dudchenko links Washington's decision to the elections coming up on 3 November and to the Republicans' wish to improve their ratings.
