White House Waives Graham Act Tariffs
On September 18, 2026, the White House issued an order implementing key provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, including a 500% tariff on goods from Russia and 100% tariffs on goods from countries that continue buying Russian crude oil or natural gas or that help Russia evade oil sanctions.
On October 16, 2026, the President invoked waiver authority under Section 115 of the law, saying he had submitted the required certification to Congress that suspending these duties, sanctions, and restrictions is in the national interest of the United States. The order waives the new tariff provisions under Sections 112 and 113 of the law, along with multiple sanctions and restrictions provisions, while leaving intact sanctions already imposed under earlier executive actions related to harmful activities by the Russian government.
The order directs the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the State Department, Treasury Department, Energy Department, and other senior officials as needed, to monitor countries’ purchases of Russian-origin oil and gas and their role in sanctions evasion, and to report regularly to the President on whether further action is warranted.
Reference:
Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 – The White House
