Trump raises U.S. tariffs on India to 50 percent to address ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ from Russia

President Donald Trump followed through on his threats on Wednesday, August 6, signing an executive order that imposes an additional 25 percent tariff on goods from India. The new levy brings the total U.S. tariff rate to 50 percent. The move targets India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, with the new levy taking effect within 21 days.

The decision marks a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia. India has emerged as Russia’s second-largest oil customer globally, importing about two million barrels daily and accounting for 36 percent of its oil supplies — a dramatic jump from less than one percent before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump had set an August 8 deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face economic penalties. He initially threatened 100-percent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil

The tariff escalation highlights the complex dynamics of global energy markets and geopolitics. India argues that it has been unfairly singled out, as the U.S. and the E.U. also continue to import goods from Russia. Indian officials defend their Russian oil purchases as necessary for economic stability, noting their traditional Middle Eastern suppliers redirected shipments to Europe after the war began. China, which purchases even more Russian oil than India, has notably avoided similar public criticism from Trump.