Russia’s Accession to the WTO and Its Implications for the United States

This paper explores the implications of Russia's WTO accession for the US. In joining the WTO, Russia has committed to bring its trade laws and practices into compliance with WTO rules and open up its markets to other members. The immediate policy issue for Congress will be whether to enact legislation authorizing the President to grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Russia, a status that all WTO members are required to provide each other. Some Members of Congress have indicated that they view congressional consideration of PNTR legislation as the opportunity to ensure that the conditions on which Russia is invited to join the WTO address US concerns.

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