A new Senate bill backed by U.S. President Donald Trump could impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to trade with Russia—including major partners like India and China. The bipartisan legislation, led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, is aimed at curbing global economic support for Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump-Backed Bill Proposes 500% Tariff On Nations Trading With Russia
If passed, the bill could severely strain U.S. trade ties with New Delhi and Beijing. India, which views the U.S. as a key export destination, has continued purchasing discounted Russian oil amid Western sanctions, making it a direct target of the proposed legislation.
Senator Graham announced Sunday that the bill has secured 84 co-sponsors and now has Trump’s explicit support. “If you’re buying products from Russia and not helping Ukraine, then there’s a 500% tariff on your goods coming into the United States,” Graham told ABC News. “India and China buy 70% of Putin’s oil. They keep his war machine going.”
The legislation, which is expected to be introduced formally in August, would give the president the authority to impose steep tariffs on countries trading with Russia, unless they show active support for Ukraine. Graham said Trump greenlit the move during a recent round of golf, signaling a shift from earlier White House hesitation.
Initially proposed in March, the bill was delayed after reports that the Trump administration sought to soften its provisions. According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House pushed for language changes to reduce the mandatory nature of the tariffs, suggesting a substitution of “shall” with “may” in key sections. Graham later introduced a carve-out for countries supporting Ukraine to avoid backlash from U.S. allies.
Despite Trump's recent endorsement, the administration remains divided. While Trump has expressed concerns about the financial burden of sanctions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they remain a possible tool in pressuring Moscow toward peace.
If passed, the bill could severely strain U.S. trade ties with New Delhi and Beijing. India, which views the U.S. as a key export destination, has continued purchasing discounted Russian oil amid Western sanctions, making it a direct target of the proposed legislation.
The bill underscores Washington’s intensifying effort to isolate Moscow economically—and may mark a dramatic escalation in the use of trade policy to influence global alignment on the war in Ukraine.
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