In a surprising turn of events, Russia was notably absent from former President Donald Trump's recent list of tariffs affecting various US trade partners. According to reports from US outlet Axios, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that this omission is largely due to existing US sanctions on Russia, which inhibit any substantial trade activities. Other nations such as Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea were also not included in the tariff list.
Interestingly, countries with significantly lower trade volumes with the US, including Syria—which exported a mere $11 million worth of products last year according to United Nations data cited by Trading Economics—were still placed on the tariff list. The US has enacted comprehensive sanctions against Russia following its extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has shaped the current trade landscape.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has adopted a notably friendlier approach toward Russia. He has emphasized the importance of ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, and this week, a high-ranking Russian official is in Washington for discussions with Trump's administration as negotiations for a potential peace deal continue. Last month, Trump even threatened a hefty 50% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil if President Vladimir Putin did not agree to a ceasefire.
On Thursday, Russian media asserted that the absence of tariffs on Russia is not indicative of preferential treatment but rather a consequence of the existing sanctions in place. State-run media outlet Rossiya 24 TV stated, “No tariffs have been imposed on Russia, but that's not because of some special treatment.” This sentiment was echoed by Rossiya 1, which expressed disappointment among Western observers regarding Russia's exclusion from the tariff list.
The Office of the US Trade Representative reported that in 2024, the US imported goods from Russia valued at approximately $3.5 billion (£2.7 billion). The imports primarily included fertilizers, nuclear fuel, and a selection of metals, as detailed by Trading Economics and Russian media sources. Some Russian media outlets have taken a light-hearted jab at the situation, with NTV commenting on Trump's treatment of America's European allies as if they were "serfs" merely responding to complaints.
Moreover, there has been some ridicule directed towards the inclusion of uninhabited territories such as Heard Island and the McDonald Islands on the tariff list. The pro-Kremlin outlet Zvezda humorously noted, "Looks like it's some penguins who will have to pay the 10% tariff."
Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing a 10% tariff on its exports to the US, a move that has raised concerns among local producers. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister, indicated that the new tariff would disproportionately impact small producers. She reassured that Ukraine is actively seeking to negotiate better trade terms. In 2024, Ukraine's exports to the US were valued at $874 million (£642 million), while imports from the US amounted to $3.4 billion.
Svyrydenko asserted, “Ukraine has much to offer the United States as a reliable ally and partner. Fair tariffs benefit both countries.” Despite the relatively small scale of trade, it is important to note that the US has provided significant material support in the ongoing conflict against Russia. Trump estimates that the US has spent between $300 billion and $350 billion on this aid, while the US Department of Defense has appropriated $182.8 billion for Operation Atlantic Resolve, which includes US military training in Europe and the replenishment of defense stocks.
