Delegation of Authority To Conclude an Agreement With the Russian Federation Concerning the Importation of Certain Steel Products

President Clinton delegated authority to the Secretary of Commerce to negotiate and conclude an agreement with Russia restricting imports of certain steel products, citing the 1990 U.S.-Russia Trade Relations Agreement and Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. The Assistant Secretary for Import Administration may exercise this authority as directed by the Secretary.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 38101

Key directives

Delegate to Secretary of Commerce power to conclude agreement with Russian Federation on restrictions on importation of certain steel products
Authorize Assistant Secretary for Import Administration to exercise delegated authority as directed by Secretary
Direct publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing
Secretary of Commerce empowered to conclude agreement

Near term (90d)

Potential negotiation and conclusion of U.S.-Russia steel import agreement

Long term

Implementation of any concluded steel import restrictions

Risks & tensions

Potential WTO compliance concerns with bilateral steel restrictions
Risk of retaliatory measures from Russia on other trade sectors
Tension between protectionist steel policy and broader U.S.-Russia trade relations