US bans exports of smartphones over $300 to Russia

The United States added to the list of export restrictions as part of a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation a ban on the supply of smartphones priced above $300, informs TASS with reference to a notice posted in the Federal Register – a collection of official government documents. In general, the list of luxury items was expanded by 276 items.

US Treasury and Department of Commerce announced on new restrictions against Russia on Friday, February 24. As follows from the notice, the list of goods includes “smartphones, the wholesale price of which in the United States is over $300 per item”, hair dryers, microwave ovens, electric coffee machines and toasters, turntables, effects pedals for musical instruments of any value. Export restrictions included electronic scales worth over $100, refrigerators over $750 and other goods, TASS clarifies.

The US Department of Commerce also included in the sanctions list 76 Russian companies for supporting the Russian military-industrial complex, including the fund “Skolkovo”, “Skoltech”, “Kamaz”etc. The agency has tightened export control rules for Russia and Belarus – restrictions affect the metallurgical, aviation and nuclear industries, as well as construction in terms of heavy construction equipment and electrical equipment. The US Treasury has included 83 legal entities and 22 individuals on the sanctions lists.

In March 2022, US President Joe Biden banned seafood, vodka and alcoholic beverages, diamonds and diamonds from Russia from entering the United States. A ban was also introduced on the export to Russia of luxury goods – cars, clothing and jewelry. February 24 Biden announced on increasing customs duties on certain imported Russian goods. Tariffs will be increased on more than 100 imported Russian metals, minerals and chemicals worth approximately $2.8 billion.