Why Russia Escaped Trump's Tariffs

Russia was notably absent from the sweeping tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, which are set to affect almost the entire world.

The White House said sanctions imposed on Moscow because of Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine had already ensured that there was no meaningful trade between the countries.

However, commentators condemned the omission as a sign that Trump favored his relationship with Putin over those with U.S. allies.

Newsweek has contacted the White House and the U.S. State Department for comment.

Why It Matters

Under the Biden administration, Washington imposed tough sanctions on Russia following Putin's aggression in Ukraine, and Trump's relationship with Putin raised concerns that the incumbent U.S. president would ease this pressure.

While Trump has recently warned of tariffs against Russia if Putin does not agree to the U.S.'s peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, Russia's omission from the new list of widespread tariffs may reignite criticism that Trump isn't tough enough with his Russian counterpart.

What To Know

On Wednesday, Trump announced a baseline 10 percent tariff on U.S. imports from 180 countries, with steeper reciprocal levies on goods from other nations and regions, including Europe, Japan and China.

Russia, which the U.S. sanctioned following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, was not on the list. Trade between Moscow and Washington has shrunk by more than 90 percent in recent years, declining from $35 billion in 2021 to $3.5 billion in 2024.

Canada and Mexico, on which Trump previously imposed a 25 percent tariff, were also left off the list.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Russia was omitted because sanctions "preclude any meaningful trade" between the countries, although Moscow could face additional strong sanctions.

However, the U.S. still trades more with Russia than with smaller countries, such as Mauritius or Brunei, that were on the list, and embattled Ukraine also faces 10 percent levies.

Criticism of Russia's absence from the levy list was strong. The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump organization founded by former Republican strategists, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Russia not mentioned anywhere on Trump's list of tariffs. Do you get it now?"

Jon Cooper, a former Democratic majority leader of the Suffolk County Legislature in New York, wrote on X, "Can anyone tell me why Russia is just about the only country—if not the ONLY country—that is exempt from Trump's tariffs?"

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia who served during the Obama administration, wrote on the platform: "I hope the American people get an explanation for this. I find it outrageous."

U.S. Senators Push for 500 Percent Tariffs

Amid his growing frustration that Putin appears to be dragging his feet on a peace deal with Ukraine, Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Russia.

A bipartisan bill put forward by 50 U.S. senators could also see the U.S impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and entities supporting Putin's aggression if Moscow does not engage in peace talks.

The legislation includes imposing 500 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.

Thomas O'Donnell, an energy analyst in Berlin from the Wilson Center think tank, told Newsweek that such measures would be a big deal for Russia, but question marks remain over what trigger would be needed to impose them.

What People Are Saying

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: "We don't trade with Russia and Belarus because of sanctions."

Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, wrote on X: "No tariffs on Russia. Hmmm."

Timothy Ash, an emerging markets strategist at BlueBay Asset Management, told Newsweek: "I think just underlines that Trump is desperate to be liked by Putin. Weird on so many levels."

What Happens Next

The U.S. Treasury secretary has warned tariffed countries not to retaliate, otherwise "there will be escalation."

With a U.S. draft bill proposing 500 percent levies on key Russian exports, such as oil and gas, and U.S. threats on tough measures if Putin does not agree to peace, it remains to be seen whether Moscow will fully escape Trump's tariffs.