Trump waives Graham Act sanctions and tariffs on Russian goods
- Order waives 500% duty increase on Russian goods
- 100% duties on buyers of Russian oil also waived
- Sanctions under earlier Russia executive orders stay in place
Photo: Wikimedia Commons - Monster4711WASHINGTON, Oct 16 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct 16 signed an order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, then waiving the sanctions, restrictions and duties it provides for, telling Congress the waiver serves U.S. national interests.
The order sets out duty increases under the act. Goods from the Russian Federation would face an increase of 500 percent ad valorem. Goods from the largest five importers of crude oil and natural gas that originated in Russia would face an increase of 100 percent ad valorem if the country knowingly makes new purchases on or after October 18, 2026.
The top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion would also face a 100 percent ad valorem increase, according to the order.
Under section 4 of the order, Trump waived the duties in sections 112 and 113 of the act and a list of its sanctions and restriction provisions, including sections 102(a), 102(d), 103 and 117.
The order says nothing in it affects sanctions or other measures under executive orders addressing the national emergency on Russia that Trump continued on March 24, 2026, as in effect on the day before the Graham Act was enacted, including for all persons sanctioned under those orders.
The waivers remain in effect until the President or the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Trade Representative, determines that further action is appropriate, the order says.
The U.S. Trade Representative will monitor purchases of Russian crude oil and natural gas and the facilitation of sanctions evasion by other countries, and will report to the President.
Trump signed the Graham Act into law on September 18, 2026, according to the order.