Trump signs Russia sanctions Act; India, China could face 100% tariffs

Mangalore Today News Network

Washington, Sep 19, 2026: US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, expanding sanctions against Russia and extending existing sanctions on Iran. The legislation also gives the US President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

The White House said the law authorises and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia, while extending existing sanctions on Iran.

The House of Representatives had passed the legislation earlier this week. It targets Russia’s leadership, energy sector, defence industry and so-called “shadow fleet”, which the legislation links to efforts to evade sanctions.

Under the new law, the President can impose duties of up to 100% on goods imported from countries that rank among the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas by volume during the 12 months preceding the law’s enactment.

The legislation gives the President significant discretion over the implementation of the tariff provisions, including determining which countries will be targeted and the applicable tariff rates.

The law is set to take effect within 30 days of its enactment. Countries may be exempt from gas-related duties if their Russian gas imports accounted for less than 15% of Russia’s total exports during the relevant period and they have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.

The legislation also targets foreign individuals and entities involved in supporting Russia’s energy production or helping evade sanctions. These provisions cover vessel owners, operators, managers, insurers and other parties involved in activities covered by the law.

While India and China are among the major buyers of Russian energy, the legislation authorises tariffs of up to 100%; it does not itself impose a 100% tariff on Indian or Chinese goods immediately.