# Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act: What It Actually Does

This bill would ban the United States from importing certain minerals that come from Russia or Russian companies. Starting 90 days after the law takes effect, American businesses and manufacturers would be prohibited from bringing in platinum group metals (including palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium), nickel, and copper ores from Russian sources. The bill also blocks an end-run around these restrictions—if someone tries to swap Russian minerals for the same minerals from another country to sneak them into the U.S. market, that would be prohibited too.

The practical impact would be felt most directly by manufacturers who rely on these minerals for their products. Platinum group metals are used in catalytic converters for cars, electronics, jewelry, and medical equipment. Nickel goes into stainless steel and batteries. Copper is essential for electrical wiring, construction, and renewable energy systems. Companies currently sourcing these materials from Russia would need to find alternative suppliers, which could increase costs and potentially raise prices for consumers on everything from vehicles to electronics to construction materials.

The ban would stay in place until the President officially certifies to Congress that Russia has ended all hostilities against Ukraine. However, there's a catch: if Russia resumes fighting during the three years after that certification, the ban automatically goes back into effect. Importantly, the President cannot waive or get around this prohibition—it's a hard rule with no exceptions allowed. This means the restrictions would remain in place regardless of other trade negotiations or diplomatic considerations.

Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act

Downing, Troy

Stop Russian Market Manipulation ActThis bill prohibits the importation of specified minerals from Russia.Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of platinum, palladium, braggite, rhodium, ruthenium, nickel, cooper, or zinc if the mineral is (1) produced in Russia or by a Russian entity; or (2) determined to have been exchanged with, swapped for, or otherwise obtained in lieu of such a mineral in a manner designed to evade or circumvent this prohibition. The President may not waive this prohibition.The prohibition shall continue to apply until one year after the&nbsp;President certifies to Congress that the Russian government has ended all hostilities against Ukraine. If the Russian government resumes hostilities against Ukraine within three years of a certification, then&nbsp;the prohibition shall resume effect.