ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8920ProclamationObama · D

Proclamation 8920

To Extend Nondiscriminatory Treatment (Normal Trade Relations Treatment) to the Products of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova

This proclamation extends permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) treatment to Russia and Moldova, removing them from the Jackson-Vanik amendment restrictions of the 1974 Trade Act. The action takes effect immediately upon signing, allowing the U.S. to exercise full WTO rights with both countries.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 76797

Impact dates

  1. Extension of nondiscriminatory treatment effective

Key directives

  • Extend nondiscriminatory treatment to products of the Russian Federation
  • Extend nondiscriminatory treatment to products of the Republic of Moldova
  • Remove both countries from coverage of chapter 1 of title IV of the 1974 Act
  • Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • PNTR treatment takes effect for Russia and Moldova
  • Chapter 1 of Title IV of 1974 Trade Act no longer applies to either country

Near term (90d)

  • U.S. businesses adjust to permanent tariff rates on Russian/Moldovan imports
  • WTO dispute settlement mechanisms become fully available for trade with both countries

Long term

  • Structural integration of Russia into WTO trading system (though later disrupted by 2014 and 2022 sanctions)
  • Established precedent for Moldova's permanent trade status

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation 8933 of August 2013 later suspended PNTR benefits for Russia under WTO agreement terms following 2014 events
  • Congressional debate existed over Russia's human rights record (Magnitsky Act passed same month)
  • Moldova's status proved more durable than Russia's given geopolitical developments
Proclamation 8920: To Extend Nondiscriminatory Treatment (Normal Trade Relations Treatment) to the Products of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova · Executive Orders