The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would end normal trade relations with Russia.
The result is that tariffs on Russian birch plywood would increase from zero to 40–50%. The Senate is likely to take action quickly, followed by President Biden signing the bill into law. Tariffs would go into effect immediately, the Decorative Hardwoods Association reported.
According to the Hill, lawmakers voted 424 to 8 in favor of legislation to raise tariffs on goods from Russia and Belarus and give President Biden power to impose even stricter import taxes on their exports amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The eight lawmakers who voted against the bill are all Republicans.
The bill also sets up strict guidelines for when the president can restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus based on the state of the Ukraine war.
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