Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold a week after saying the US had agreed to buy Russian diesel
President Donald Trump put new Russia sanctions, passed by Congress, on hold, according to reports published on Saturday 17 October by the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WA Today. The decision came a week after Trump said the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia. The same outlets reported that his new press secretary left the job after five days. They also reported that the Trump administration is considering whether lamb imports pose a severe threat to domestic lamb producers. Australia has said it is not to blame for the struggling US industry.
Sanctions on Russia affect energy prices, and Australian households and businesses buy fuel at prices that follow global oil and diesel. A delay in sanctions can change what traders expect, and WTI crude was at US$99.02 after Friday's close.
If you run a business that depends on diesel, check your fuel contract terms for price pass-through clauses. If you export lamb, follow the US review and talk to your industry body about timing.
Congress passed sanctions and the president parked them, which tells you who actually decides. Allies should plan around the president's mood, not the statute book.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 14 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 18, 2026