Skip to main content

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As a result, this outdated piece of legislation is to change shortly and like other WTO member states, the US will also be able to trade under the same favoured-nation status.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

  • Cost effective road maintenance
    February 8, 2012
    Highway maintenance and repair is an easy target for cuts in highway budgets, but there are cost-effective measures that can be adopted as Patrick Smith reports. Road maintenance is an increasingly important industry that spans a worldwide market. Awareness of the need for a stable and sustainable international infrastructure, maintenance and creative rural road technologies are taking a stronger role as viable sources for a cost-effective means of preserving, developing and prolonging the life of roads wit
  • BAM half year results show jump in pre-tax profit
    August 19, 2016
    Dutch construction and related services group Royal BAM posted improved half-year results, despite Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. Half-year results to June showed pre-tax profit to €45 million, up from €4 million the previous year. However, group revenue slipped back €3.4 billion, down from around €3.5 billion. Construction and mechanical & electrical services suffered a €23.8 million loss, blamed on poor trading in Germany. But civil engineering and property helped profitability.
  • AEM proposes highway funding solutions
    February 15, 2012
    The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is offering a novel solution to funding sources for the US Highway Bill.
  • Cost effective road maintenance
    February 7, 2012
    Highway maintenance and repair is an easy target for cuts in highway budgets, but there are cost-effective measures that can be adopted as Patrick Smith reports