Trump waives Russia energy sanctions, suspends threat of 100 pc Tariffs on India, China

Washington, Oct 17 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions, restrictions and tariff provisions targeting buyers of Russian energy, suspending the threat of additional duties of up to 100 per cent on major importers, including India and China, under a new executive order.

The order, issued on October 16 under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, allows the US President to suspend specified sanctions and duties on grounds of national interest. Trump said he had submitted a certification to Congress stating that the waivers were in the national interest of the United States, along with a report explaining the basis for the decision.

Under the order, the US administration had outlined additional duties of 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas if they knowingly made new purchases of Russian-origin supplies on or after October 18, 2026. It also provided for additional duties of 100 per cent on goods from the five countries identified as major facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.

The order further stipulated a 500 per cent increase in duties on goods from Russia, subject to specified exceptions and waivers. However, Trump waived the application of duties under Sections 112 and 113 of the Act, along with several sanctions and restrictions provided for under the legislation. The waivers will remain in effect until the President or the Secretary of State, in consultation with the relevant officials, determines that further action is appropriate.

The executive order directs the US Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Treasury and Energy, to monitor countries' purchases of Russian crude oil and natural gas and their role in facilitating sanctions evasion. The Trade Representative has also been tasked with regularly reporting to the President and recommending further action where necessary. The order does not affect sanctions and other measures imposed under earlier executive orders addressing specified harmful foreign activities by the Russian government.

The move comes amid continuing US efforts to pressure Moscow over its actions while retaining the flexibility to adjust economic measures in line with Washington's national interests.

UNI AAB