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As a result, this outdated piece of legislation is to change shortly and like other WTO member states, the US will also be able to trade under the same favoured-nation status.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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Concrete barriers help to minimise accidents
    July 12, 2012
    Concrete barriers offer a highway safety solution - Mike Woof writes. Concrete safety barriers are being installed on many of Europe's major highways, particularly for use as centre lane dividers. The strength and durability of concrete barriers can help reduce the risk of cross over accidents, one of several topics raised at a conference in Brussels on concrete highway barriers organised by the European Concrete Paving Association, EUPAVE. The conference was opened by Yves Deceoene of the IRF's Belgian ex
    Read More
  • US highways needs investment
    July 1, 2015
    In the US, the president recently signed a short-term extension for highway funding. This is a two-month extension that will provide funding for highway infrastructure until the end of July. But it is a very temporary measure made as the US Government has so far been unable to agree the longer term deal that will guarantee highway investment. The Highway Trust Fund is in particular need of investment and such a short-term political patch cannot provide the necessary solution to help boost the US constru
    Read More
  • VDMA reports steady German equipment sector
    February 14, 2013
    Steady financial performance is claimed for the German equipment producers in 2012, according to the manufacturing association VDMA. The German construction equipment and building material machinery industry generated €12.5 billion in turnover during 2012 according to the latest results. Of this, construction equipment accounted for €7.9 billion, while €4.6 billion of business came from the building material, glass and ceramics machinery sector. This is a nominal decrease of around 1% compared to 2011. Afte
    Read More
  • Set the ALARM for repairs in England and Wales
    January 10, 2019
    More than 3,900km of roads in England and Wales will need essential maintenance within the next year, according to the annual ALARM survey* Cash-strapped local governments are reporting that the gap between the funds they received and the amount they needed for repairs and maintenance was almost €639 million. This equated to an average shortfall of €3.75 million for every authority. It would take 14 years to get local roads back into a reasonable steady state, but only if adequate funds and resources wer
    Read More

Highlighted Content