Trump questions US law banning Russian petroleum imports, says he will review it
The US President indicated he would examine the 2022 legislation prohibiting imports of Russian petroleum products but gave no timeline for a possible policy change
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would review the US law prohibiting imports of petroleum products from Russia. Although he questioned the legislation, he has not yet announced any policy change.
Trump questions law banning Russian petroleum imports
The Republican leader’s remarks come at a time when his administration’s decision to import diesel from Russia has faced intense scrutiny. Also, his party has faced a rout at the hands of Democrats in the recently concluded midterm polls and lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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“That probably makes it a pretty bad law. I'll take a look at it, sure,” said Trump after being informed by a journalist that the ban on the import of Russian petroleum products was enacted by Congress and signed by the then President Joe Biden in 2022, reported ANI.
After Trump asked whether the restrictions come under the purview of the Jones Act, the journalists clarified that the issue is related to the 2022 legislation.
Gives no timeline for possible policy change
However, the US President neither gave any timeline nor elaborated on any proposed amendment or explanation of how his administration would reconcile its approval of diesel imports from Russia with the legal prohibition on such imports. He also did not say anything as to whether the ban has been lifted.
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The US waiver applies specifically to imports entering the country and will remain valid until 12.01 am Eastern Daylight Time on April 7, 2027. It also permits withdrawals from accounts held at US financial institutions by Russia's central bank, National Wealth Fund and Finance Ministry.
The license covers diesel imports. It does not amount to a wider reopening of trade in all Russian petroleum products.
2022 law sets conditions for lifting import restrictions
The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, approved on April 8, 2022, separately bars imports of Russian products covered under Chapter 27 of the US tariff schedule.
The law sets out specific conditions for removing the restriction. The President must certify that Ukraine has accepted an agreement covering Russia's withdrawal and an end to hostilities. The certification must also confirm that Russia no longer poses an immediate military threat to NATO members and that Ukrainian self-determination has been recognised.
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The process also requires consultation with congressional committees before any decision takes effect. A 90-day review period must follow the presidential certification. The restriction can be cancelled after this period unless Congress passes a resolution of disapproval.
The Treasury Department's license does not, by itself, establish that these statutory requirements have been met.