On December 21, the American President Barack Obama issued a proclamation extending non-discriminatory treatment, or normal trade relations status, to the products of the Russian Federation. In the same document, the American President also granted similar status to the Republic of Moldova.

“The Russian Federation has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of emigration requirements under title IV of the 1974 Trade Act since 1994. The Russian Federation acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on August 22, 2012. The extension of permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of the Russian Federation will permit the United States to avail itself of all rights under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization with respect to the Russian Federation,” the document said.

Non-discriminatory treatment was extended to the products of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova as of the date of the presidential proclamation.

While the proclamation was seen as a formality, the U.S. President was required by American laws to issue it in order to normalize trading relations with Russia.