Updated Apr 8, 2022 - Politics & Policy

U.S. suspends normal trade relations with Russia

Erin Doherty

The U.S. suspended normal trade relations with Russia and banned Russian energy imports on Friday after President Biden signed both bills into law.

The big picture: The move accompanies Biden's executive order last month, which bans the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal to the United States.

The trade bill, which the Senate passed 100-0, also revokes Belarus' trade operations with the U.S.

What they're saying: "Now, I wish this could have happened sooner, but after weeks of talks with the other side, it’s important that we have found a path forward," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said, AP reports.

"No nation whose military is committing war crimes deserves free trade status with the United States."

Go deeper: U.S. moves to end normal trade relations with Russia

Editor's note: This story and headline have been updated after President Biden signed the bills into law.

Add Axios on Google

U.S. suspends normal trade relations with Russia

What to read next