Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Economist Dismisses Trump's Tariff Threat to Russia as Ineffective
US President Trump threatened tariffs on Russia, but an economist said it won't do much.
Russia already has sanctions, so tariffs won't make a big difference.
Trump said he'd impose the tariffs if Russia didn't stop its actions in Ukraine within 50 days.
The economist pointed out that Russia is already under sanctions, which limit the impact of tariffs.
Some think Trump might mean tariffs on countries that buy Russian goods.
This whole plan is seen as mostly for show.
Economist Justin Wolfers criticized Trump's tariff threat on Russia.
Wolfers called the threat an example of 'sounding tough but doing nothing'.
Trump said he might impose 100% tariffs if Putin didn't agree to a ceasefire in 50 days.
Wolfers noted Russia already faces sanctions, diminishing the impact of tariffs.
Some interpret the threat as potential 'secondary tariffs' on countries buying Russian goods.
- Who
- Economist Justin Wolfers and former US President Donald Trump.
- What
- Economist criticized Trump's tariff threat on Russia.
- When
- Trump threatened tariffs recently, as of the article's publication.
- Where
- The issue concerns trade between the US and Russia.
- Why
- Wolfers believes the tariff threat is ineffective due to existing sanctions on Russia.
Trump's Stance
Economist's View
Effectiveness of Tariffs
Trump's Stance
Threatening tariffs to pressure Russia.
Economist's View
An empty threat that will not work as Russia is already sanctioned.
- Politician
- Donald Trump
- Economist
- Justin Wolfers
- Action Proposed
- 100% tariff on Russia
- Reason for Tariff
- To urge Putin to agree to a ceasefire
- Primary Criticism
- Ineffective due to existing sanctions
- Timeframe
- 50 days for Putin to act