New Act Bans Russian Platinum, Nickel, and Copper Imports: Supply Chain Shock Starts in 90 Days

The aptly named Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act is a trade bill with a very clear mission: cut off the U.S. market from key Russian minerals. Starting 90 days after it becomes law, the U.S. will ban the importation of specific metals—namely platinum and its related metals (like palladium and rhodium), as well as nickel, and copper/zinc ores—if they come from Russia or a Russian-controlled company. The bill is tough, including rules to stop companies from trying to swap Russian minerals for others just to get around the ban, and it explicitly removes the President’s power to waive the ban for any reason.

The Supply Chain Squeeze

This isn't about luxury goods; it’s about industrial essentials. Platinum group metals (PGMs) like palladium and rhodium are critical components in catalytic converters, which clean up car emissions. Nickel is vital for stainless steel and, increasingly, electric vehicle batteries. Copper is, well, everywhere—from construction wiring to electronics. For U.S. manufacturers, especially in the automotive and electronics sectors, this bill creates an immediate, non-negotiable supply chain shock. If a U.S. auto parts supplier relies on Russian palladium, they have 90 days to find a new, stable, and cost-effective source, or they face massive delays and higher costs. These higher sourcing costs for manufacturers almost always translate into higher prices for consumers on everything from new cars to household appliances.

The “Until Further Notice” Clause

For those hoping this is a temporary measure, the bill’s exit strategy is complicated and rigid. The import ban only ends one year after the President certifies to Congress that Russia has ceased all hostilities against Ukraine. But here’s the kicker: if, within the next three years after that certification, Russia starts fighting again, the ban instantly snaps back into place. This uncertainty means U.S. companies can’t just wait it out; they have to invest serious time and money into securing long-term, non-Russian supply lines, which further locks in those higher costs.

No Off-Ramps Allowed

One of the most notable parts of this Act is the provision that removes the President’s authority to waive the ban. Usually, trade sanctions include some flexibility for the executive branch to make exceptions for national security or economic necessity. Not here. This provision locks the U.S. into the ban entirely, regardless of potential economic fallout or diplomatic needs. While this makes the sanction stronger from a foreign policy perspective, it means that if the ban causes severe supply shortages—say, for essential medical equipment components—there is no quick administrative fix. This rigidity highlights a trade-off: maximum pressure on Russia versus maximum flexibility for the U.S. economy. For the average person, this lack of flexibility means a higher probability that price increases and product shortages will stick around.