WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are advancing a measure that would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that continue buying energy from Russia, according to accounts of the proposal circulating Wednesday.
The list of targeted buyers cited in coverage includes India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. The stated goal is to pressure nations whose energy purchases help fund Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
How the proposal works
Supporters frame the tariffs as a secondary sanctions tool: if Moscow’s oil and gas still find large customers, those customers would face steep U.S. import penalties. Some European buyers of limited Russian gas volumes are described as eligible for exemptions if they are already reducing dependence.
BREAKING: This new law will give Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase energy from Russia. Targeted countries include India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
— Hindutva King (@HindutvaKingg) September 16, 2026
Economic and diplomatic stakes
India and China are among the largest remaining markets for Russian crude. A 100 percent tariff threat could reshape trade negotiations with Washington, but it also risks higher costs for American importers if supply chains re-route through third countries.
Allies may welcome tougher pressure on Moscow while worrying about energy prices and precedent. Opponents argue broad tariffs often hit consumers first and can be hard to enforce when oil is blended and resold.
What to watch
Committee text, exemption language, and any White House statement will determine whether this is a negotiating lever or a near-term trade shock. For U.S. households, the indirect channel is global oil pricing and the cost of goods tied to Asian manufacturing hubs.
