Trump Halts Russia Tariffs Before They Could Hit India

A 100% tariff on major buyers of Russian oil and gas was due to take effect on October 18. President Donald Trump signed an order suspending the tariffs before the deadline, offering immediate relief to countries including India and China. He also waived named sanctions and restrictions under the new law, while leaving open the option to bring them back. ^1,8

The October 18 deadline came from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed on September 18. The law gave him power to impose duties of up to 100% on goods from the five biggest buyers of Russian energy, and up to 500% on Russian goods. Trump’s Friday order first put the tariff measures into effect, then waived them. He told Congress the waiver was in the US national interest, but has not made public the required report explaining his reasons. ^1,10

The temporary relief matters because India remains a major buyer of Russian crude, and the threatened duties risked making trade with Moscow more costly. The order does not remove existing US sanctions on Russia. Instead, it pauses specific measures in the new law while US officials monitor Russian energy purchases and possible efforts to evade sanctions. That gives Washington room to act, but lawmakers who support tougher pressure on Moscow have criticized easing restrictions while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. ^1,4,7

The US Trade Representative now leads that monitoring, working with officials from the State, Treasury and Energy departments. The Trade Representative must report which countries rank among the top five helping Russia evade oil sanctions and alert Trump to developments that could warrant action. Trump or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consulting other officials where required, can end the waivers. Rubio is due to visit India, with talks scheduled for October 20. ^1,5