Trump's new tariffs exclude Russia despite tensions
President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on almost all countries in the world; however, Russia is not among them. "Well, Russia and Belarus we don’t trade with. Right?," stated Commerce Secretary Scott Bessent.
What do you need to know?
- President Trump announced new tariffs: On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the introduction of broad retaliatory tariffs that will target many countries, but not Russia.
- Russia is not on the list: Russia was excluded from the new tariffs because existing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine have already reduced trade between the U.S. and Russia to zero, explains the White House.
- New sanctions in preparation: American senators are working on legislation that will impose new sanctions against Russia if it does not engage in peace talks with Ukraine.
Why is Russia not included in the new tariffs?
After President Trump announced the new tariffs, questions arose about why Russia was not included. A White House representative explained to "Newsweek" that existing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine have effectively reduced trade between the U.S. and Russia to zero.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned in an interview with Fox News that Russia is not on the list because the United States does not trade with it. "Well, Russia and Belarus we don’t trade with. Right?," he said. "They are sanctioned," he said. "They are sanctioned," he added.
What are the plans regarding new sanctions?
According to "Newsweek," American senators, including Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, are preparing legislation to introduce new sanctions against Russia. The legislation proposes imposing tariffs of 500 percent on goods imported from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. Additionally, Trump announced the introduction of "secondary tariffs" on countries that continue to trade with Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
