Biden to ban U.S. imports of Russian vodka, diamonds and seafood

President Joe Biden on Friday issued an govt order blocking U.S. imports of key Russian merchandise, together with vodka, and banning exports of high-end items to Russia.

The chief motion bans imports from key sectors of Russia’s financial system, corresponding to seafood, alcohol and non-industrial diamonds, based on the textual content of the order.

That motion will block greater than $1 billion in Russian revenues and assist guarantee Americans aren’t “underwriting” President Vladimir Putin’s struggle in Ukraine, the White Home mentioned in a reality sheet.

The order can even cease the U.S. from exporting what the administration known as “luxurious gadgets” to anybody in Russia. These merchandise embrace high-end watches and garments, jewellery, top-shelf liquor and luxurious automobiles — all of which function prominently within the existence of mega-rich Russian oligarchs.

The brand new export restrictions are valued at practically $550 million per 12 months, the White Home mentioned.

“They don’t seem to be the final steps we’re taking,” Biden mentioned in a speech on the White Home on Friday morning.

“Putin is the aggressor and Putin should pay the worth,” he added.

The White Home revealed the most recent steps to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine after Biden called on the U.S. to revoke Russia’s “most favored nation” trading status, opening the door to damaging new tariffs. The European Union and the Group of Seven nations are anticipated to take the identical steps.