Trump waives the Graham Act’s Russia tariffs before they take effect
An executive order signed Friday sets aside tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods that Congress had ordered.
Known
•The order waives the Act’s Russia tariffs and buyer tariffs. •Earlier Russia sanctions remain. •Trump certified to Congress that the waiver is in the national interest.
Not known yet
•Whether Congress will try to override or challenge the waiver. •Whether more Russia sanctions will be waived. Zelenskyy expects so. •The effect on US diesel prices.
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, 16 October, waiving the operative Russia sections of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The law required tariffs of up to 500% on all Russian goods, including oil and gas, within 30 days of enactment. It also required tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian crude and gas that kept buying.
Trump told Congress the waiver is in the national interest. It follows a deal last week that lets Russia sell diesel to the US and on world markets amid fuel shortages. Sanctions under earlier executive orders stay in place.
Several Republicans criticised the move; Sen. Thom Tillis called it “beyond irresponsible”. Rep. Thomas Massie backed it, calling the law short-sighted. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said it helps only Russia.
This is the second such waiver in two weeks.