Washington – President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new law that broadens economic pressure on both Russia and Iran. The measure grants the administration expanded authority to slap tariffs on any country that continues to import Russian crude or natural gas.
Key Feature: Tariffs Up to 100%
The centerpiece of the legislation empowers the president to impose import duties as high as 100 percent on products from nations identified as major purchasers of Russian energy. While India and China rank among the top buyers, the act does not automatically trigger a full‑scale tariff; the ultimate decision rests with the president.
The tariff trigger applies to the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas, measured by total volume over the 12‑month window preceding the law’s activation.
Possible Gas‑Import Exemption
For natural‑gas imports, the bill carves out a potential exemption. A country may avoid gas‑related duties if its imports from Russia account for less than 15 % of Moscow’s total gas exports during the reference period and if it can demonstrate meaningful steps to curb those imports.
The legislation also authorises the president to waive certain sanctions under narrowly defined circumstances.
Targeting Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
The act expands the scope of sanctions to encompass Russia’s energy and defence networks, including the notorious “shadow fleet”—a web of vessels and intermediaries accused of ferrying Russian energy supplies while sidestepping international restrictions.
Entities linked to the Russian defence industry or to sanction‑evasion activities may now face additional penalties under the broadened framework.
Implementation Timeline
The law becomes effective within 30 days of Trump’s signature, meaning its provisions could start influencing trade patterns for countries that still rely heavily on Russian energy.
By introducing steep tariff options and extending the sanctions net, the legislation gives the United States a stronger bargaining chip over nations that persist in purchasing Russian oil and gas, while also tightening the clamp on Russia’s energy‑related and defence‑linked networks.
