CRS Says Congress Could Soon Debate Granting PNTR Status to Russia
The Congressional Research service has issued a report (RS21123) on how Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) could affect U.S.-Russian economic ties.
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CRS states that Russia's WTO accession may be completed soon and that, as a result, Members of 112tn Congress may confront the issue of whether to grant Russia permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status.
According to the report, granting Russia PNTR status will have little direct impact on U.S.-Russian trade, but congressional consideration of legislation to grant Russia PNTR status would likely generate debate not only on the pros and cons of PNTR status for Russia, but also on U.S. economic policy towards Russia and Russia’s economic policies and practices.
CRS notes that Russia’s treatment of imports of U.S-produced poultry has been a contentious issue and could come up during the debate, despite a recent agreement on the issue. In addition, U.S. businesses have cited Russian government corruption as a significant barrier to doing business there.