Trump Backs 500% Tariffs on Nations Trading With Russia, Warns Iran Could Be Next

US President Donald Trump said that he supports a Senate proposal allowing Washington to impose tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that continue trading with Russia or fail to support Ukraine, Reuters reported on November 16.

Speaking to reporters before departing Florida for Washington, Trump called the initiative “very acceptable” and claimed it was originally his idea.

“Republicans are promoting legislation that provides for very tough sanctions and other measures against any country doing business with Russia. As you know, I suggested it, so any country that does business with Russia will be very severely sanctioned,” Trump said.

The bipartisan bill, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), targets nations purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other energy commodities—a move that would directly impact China and India, two of Moscow’s largest energy customers. Trump added that Iran could also be included under the sanctions framework.

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According to Reuters, the legislation would give the president authority to levy punitive import tariffs and sanctions on states maintaining energy trade with Russia despite Western restrictions. The proposal reflects growing bipartisan pressure to expand economic penalties on countries that have helped offset the impact of US and EU sanctions by continuing to buy Russian fuel.

Trump framed the policy as part of a broader strategy to isolate Moscow economically while discouraging other states from undermining Western sanctions.

“Any country that does business with Russia will be very severely sanctioned,” he said, emphasizing that the goal was to enforce “real consequences” for those financing the Kremlin’s wartime economy.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia had begun selling its crude oil at the steepest discounts in years after US sanctions on energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil triggered a sharp market drop.

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