Trump suspends new Russia tariffs and sanctions before they take effect

The Trump administration suspended a broad set of Russia tariffs and waived many Russia-related sanctions just before they were set to take effect under a recently passed law, according to wire reports from October 16. The suspension comes ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. The move removes, for now, a source of trade friction that had been expected to hit companies and sectors with Russia exposure. It also signals the administration is managing the politics of sanctions enforcement rather than letting the penalties kick in automatically. What remains unclear is how long the suspension lasts and whether Congress, which passed the underlying law, pushes back on the executive waiver. No date has been given for when the tariffs or sanctions might be reinstated.