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President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending sanctions and tariffs authorized under a new law targeting Russia and its major energy customers, following an agreement with Moscow to increase diesel supplies to global markets.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving major sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy, preventing provisions of a recently enacted law from taking effect as the administration seeks to increase global fuel supplies.
The October 16 order suspends duties that would otherwise impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, along with a 500% tariff on goods imported directly from Russia. Additional provisions targeting countries that facilitate Russian oil sanctions evasion are also covered by the waiver.
“I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” Trump stated in the order.
The decision comes as the administration pursues an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin intended to increase diesel availability and ease fuel costs. The sanctions legislation had been scheduled to trigger new penalties beginning October 18.
Executive Order Suspends Tariffs and Sanctions
The measures were established under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed into law September 18.
Named for the late Republican senator from South Carolina, the legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Graham had championed tougher sanctions on Russia and countries helping finance its energy exports.
The law authorizes penalties against Russian entities, foreign individuals supporting the Russian government, major purchasers of Russian energy and countries facilitating sanctions evasion.
Under the executive order, goods imported from Russia would face a 500% additional tariff without the waiver. Goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas would face additional tariffs of 100% if those countries knowingly made new purchases of Russian energy on or after October 18.
Another provision establishes a 100% additional tariff on goods from the five countries identified as leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.
China and India are among the largest purchasers of Russian crude, making them particularly significant to the legislation’s proposed restrictions. Together, the two countries account for a substantial majority of Russia’s seaborne crude exports.
The legislation nevertheless includes presidential waiver authority when the administration determines that suspending penalties serves U.S. national interests.
Trump exercised that authority across numerous provisions while notifying Congress of his determination.
The order states that the waivers will continue until the president or secretary of state, in consultation with other designated officials, determines that “further action is appropriate.”
It also directs the U.S. trade representative to monitor Russian energy purchases and sanctions-evasion activity, consult with senior administration officials and report developments that could justify reconsidering the waivers.
The order does not eliminate every existing sanction against Russia. It expressly preserves certain measures imposed under earlier executive orders addressing Russian government activities.
Decision Follows Agreement to Increase Russian Diesel Supplies
The sanctions waiver follows an agreement announced last week between Trump and Putin involving additional Russian diesel supplies.
Under the arrangement, Russia is expected to make approximately two million metric tons of diesel available to international markets by the end of December, with additional shipments potentially following.
Trump subsequently said another three million tons could become available “within a short period of time” after the initial deliveries.
The administration has presented the agreement as part of its effort to reduce diesel prices, particularly for transportation, agriculture and other industries dependent on fuel.
In a Truth Social statement reported alongside the agreement, Trump linked the expected increase in Russian diesel supplies to broader efforts involving energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” Trump stated.
“Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority.”
The agreement is intended to increase available supplies during a period of elevated energy costs. Its effect on prices will depend on actual deliveries, refining capacity, shipping conditions and broader international market developments.
Waiver Preserves Presidential Authority Over Future Penalties
The decision temporarily suspends enforcement of substantial portions of the new sanctions framework without repealing the legislation.
The order preserves the administration’s ability to impose penalties later if circumstances change, while allowing continued monitoring of countries purchasing Russian energy and facilitating transactions involving Russian exporters.
The administration’s decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers who supported stronger economic pressure on Moscow, while the White House has emphasized the national-interest authority provided by Congress.
The law’s provisions remain available for future implementation, but the waiver means the affected sanctions and additional tariffs will not take effect while the suspension remains in place.
The administration has not announced a specific expiration date for the waiver or established a timetable for reconsidering the suspended penalties.
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