Russia looks set to be awarded World Trade Organisation membership

Russia will shortly become part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This is a key development for the construction equipment market as all member states of the WTO will benefit economically by having favoured-nation trade status with Russia. The exception to this however will be the US, which is currently prevented from granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia until Congress repeals the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. This 1974 amendment was originally put in place in response to the Soviet Union p
June 18, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Russia will shortly become part of the 4048 World Trade Organisation (WTO). This is a key development for the construction equipment market as all member states of the WTO will benefit economically by having favoured-nation trade status with Russia.

The exception to this however will be the US, which is currently prevented from granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia until Congress repeals the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. This 1974 amendment was originally put in place in response to the Soviet Union preventing citizens from emigrating. But since 1994, Russia has become in compliance with the Jackson-Vanik freedom-of-emigration criteria.

As a result, this outdated piece of legislation is to change shortly and like other WTO member states, the US will also be able to trade under the same favoured-nation status. This move is set to happen once Congress votes to repeal the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.

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