Biden's order banning import into U.S. of food products from Russia includes all alcoholic beverages

WASHINGTON. March 11 (Interfax) - U.S. President Joe Biden's order prohibiting the import into the country of Russian goods includes a ban not only on vodka, but also on all alcoholic beverages, and also fish and preparations thereof.

"The following are prohibited: (i) the importation into the United States of the following products of Russian Federation origin: fish, seafood, and preparations thereof; alcoholic beverages; non-industrial diamonds; and any other products of Russian Federation origin as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce," the order issued by the White House said.

In his earlier statement, Biden mentioned precisely a ban on the import of vodka from Russia. He did not specify the import of what precisely diamonds from Russia was prohibited then.

The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply by other means of luxury goods "to any person located in the Russian Federation" is prohibited. Besides, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State have a right to expand the specific list of goods to which the ban applies.

On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Executive Order on Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment with Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression. This order also empowers U.S. officials to prohibit new investment in any sector of the Russian economy.