In what could be interpreted as a development in the relationship between the United States and Russia over the events in Ukraine, President Barack Obama today removed Russia from the list of countries that can export certain goods duty-free to the United States under the Generalized System of Preferences.

Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a news release, “The purpose of the Generalized System of Preferences is to assist developing countries to use trade to boost their economic development. Russia has advanced beyond the level of economic development and competitiveness for GSP eligibility. As such, Russia should no longer qualify to receive GSP benefits. The president’s decision is consistent with the World Bank's designation of Russia as a ‘high-income country’ as well as actions by the European Union and Canada to remove Russia from similar programs.”

But a spokeswoman for the White House National Security Agency said, “Russia’s actions regarding Ukraine, while not directly related to the president’s decision regarding Russia’s eligibility for GSP benefits, make it particularly appropriate to take this step now,” Reuters reported.

▪ White House message to Congress on Russia
▪ Reuters — White House to remove Russia from trade benefits program