1 hr ago
Trump gains tariff weapon targeting China and India
The US Congress approved a new plan to punish Russia.
President Trump could use the plan to place very high tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil.
China and India buy a lot of discounted Russian crude, so they could be affected most.
The House approved the plan on Wednesday after the Senate passed it last month.
Trump has said he will sign it.
Supporters believe stronger economic pressure could push Russia toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Some lawmakers oppose giving Trump more power over trade or object to economic sanctions.
China, India, and other Global South leaders have criticized unilateral and secondary sanctions.
The US House passed a Russia sanctions bill by 262-159 on Wednesday.
The legislation would allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil.
The Senate approved the measure 86-11 last month, and Trump has said he will sign it.
China and India face the greatest exposure because they have increased purchases of discounted Russian crude.
The bill targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, senior officials, and its shadow fleet of tankers.
- Who
- The US Congress, President Donald Trump, Russia, China, India, and other Global South leaders.
- What
- Congress approved a Russia sanctions bill allowing tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil.
- Where
- The legislation was approved in Washington by the United States Congress.
- When
- The House passed the bill on Wednesday; the Senate approved it last month.
- Why
- Supporters seek greater economic pressure on Russia, while the measure also gives Washington leverage over major buyers of Russian energy.
Bill Supporters
Bill Critics
Sanctions and tariff authority
Bill Supporters
Supporters say tougher economic pressure is needed because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has continued without a peace settlement.
Bill Critics
Critics say the bill is deeply flawed or gives Donald Trump excessive authority over trade; some Republicans also object to sanctions on free-market or non-interventionist grounds.
Secondary sanctions
Bill Supporters
Supporters view tariffs on buyers of Russian energy as leverage against Moscow and its major customers.
Bill Critics
China, India, and other Global South leaders have condemned unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions.
Key facts
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor
- Senate vote
- 86-11 in favor last month
- Maximum tariff
- Up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil
- Most exposed countries
- China and India
- Targets
- Russia’s energy and defense sectors, Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, and the shadow fleet of tankers
- Presidential position
- Donald Trump has said he will sign the measure
Sources
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