Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order waiving tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods imported from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or gas. The decision, citing the national interest of the United States, also specified sanctions provisions under a new law targeting Moscow.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the executive order, signed on Friday night, waived the application of specified sanctions, restrictions, and duties under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. This move comes days after the U.S. reportedly struck a deal with Russia for the supply of diesel to U.S. and global markets.
The President stated, “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act.” He further submitted a certification to Congress, asserting that issuing the waiver at this time was in the national interest of the United States.
The decision drew criticism from some lawmakers. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, “These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, & everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin. I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this craven, cowardly action.”
The Graham Act, passed by the U.S. Congress on September 16 and signed into law by President Trump two days later, had empowered the President to impose sweeping sanctions on Moscow and tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods imported into the U.S. from the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. These purchasers include countries such as China and India.
The executive order specifically waives the duties provided for in Sections 112 and 113 of the Act or the order. This waiver applies to new tariffs targeting the largest purchasers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas, as well as corresponding tariffs on countries facilitating Russian sanctions evasion. However, it does not impact other U.S. tariffs that might otherwise be applicable to imports from these countries.
President Trump invoked Section 115(a) of the Graham Act, which allows the President to waive sanction provisions, restrictions, and duties in the national interest. This waiver is contingent upon submitting a written certification to Congress and a report detailing the rationale behind the decision. The executive order confirmed that both documents were submitted.
Section 113 of the Graham Act pertains to the imposition of tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or assist in sanctions evasion. The executive order also mandates the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with senior officials, to monitor the purchasing activities of countries concerning Russian crude oil and natural gas, and their facilitation of sanctions evasion.
These officials are tasked with informing the President of any circumstances that might necessitate further action, including with respect to the granted waivers. The issuance of this executive order coincides with the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India, scheduled from October 17 to 22.
Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had conveyed concerns about the Graham Act to Mr. Rubio during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York the previous month. It is understood that Mr. Jaishankar informed Mr. Rubio that Indian oil refineries are largely configured to process medium-sour crude supplied by West Asian countries and Russia. He also noted that while Venezuela supplies heavier-grade crude and the U.S. supplies lighter-grade crude, which would require blending before use by Indian refineries, India has had to rely on Russian crude to maintain its economic operations, particularly with oil supplies from West Asia affected by geopolitical events.
The Chenab Times News Desk