Washington, D.C. | August 6, 2025
President Donald J. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from India, citing the country’s continued direct or indirect importation of Russian oil as undermining U.S. national security and foreign policy goals related to the Ukraine conflict.
The move expands on prior executive actions aimed at penalizing the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine. The White House said the tariffs are necessary to more effectively address the “unusual and extraordinary threat” posed by Russia’s actions and those enabling them.
“Imposing tariffs… will more effectively deal with the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066,” the order reads, referencing a 2022 directive that prohibited U.S. imports of Russian crude oil and other petroleum products.
The new 25% duty applies to Indian-origin goods entering the United States beginning 21 days after the order’s issuance. Exemptions apply to shipments already in transit before that time or arriving before September 17, 2025. Certain products, including those covered under previous reciprocal trade agreements and national security carveouts, are not subject to the new tariff.
According to the order, India is continuing to import Russian crude oil—either directly or through intermediaries. The administration said this activity helps sustain the Russian economy in the face of international sanctions and weakens global efforts to pressure Moscow.
The White House also directed the Departments of State, Commerce, Treasury, and Homeland Security to monitor other countries’ involvement in importing Russian oil. If similar activity is found, the president may impose additional duties on those nations as well.
The executive order allows for modification or repeal based on future developments, including retaliation by affected nations or significant changes in Russian or foreign conduct. Agencies were also directed to coordinate monitoring efforts and recommend further action as needed.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration sharpens its economic tools in support of Ukraine, while signaling a willingness to expand punitive measures beyond Russia to its trading partners.
Unclear is what the administration plans to do about purchases of Russian oil by the Chinese government, another major client of the Russian oil companies.
The full text of the President’s action is now available on the White House Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/addressing-threats-to-the-united-states-by-the-government-of-the-russian-federation/
