President Trump is pressing the European Union to join a bold economic offensive against Russia by imposing tariffs as high as 100 percent on Chinese and Indian imports—countries known for significant Russian oil purchases. The U.S. has pledged to follow suit itself. The move comes amid mounting frustration in Washington over stalled Ukraine peace efforts and strategic concerns about enabling Russia’s energy revenues.

At a joint meeting in Washington, U.S. and EU officials discussed sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banks, and energy majors. Trump’s tariff gambit highlights his preference for economic coercion over direct sanctions, placing India and China—Moscow’s lifelines for oil and gas—squarely in the crosshairs. European unity remains uncertain, with Hungary and others reluctant to back harsher measures on energy.

India in the Crosshairs

The U.S. had already doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August, citing New Delhi’s oil trade with Russia. India’s government is now preparing relief packages for exporters in sectors like textiles, jewelry, and seafood, with economists warning of up to a 0.6% hit to GDP growth. Still, Trump has stressed his personal ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting he expects a “good deal” to resolve the standoff.

China’s Calculated Response

China has been spared fresh U.S. tariffs in recent months as Trump paused hikes to stabilize ties and keep alive a possible summit with Xi Jinping in Seoul. Threats of 100% duties, however, risk upending that fragile truce, with Beijing signaling it could retaliate by curbing rare-earth exports essential for U.S. defense and technology manufacturing. Analysts say such a clash could severely disrupt global supply chains.

Legal and Political Questions

Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act faces looming judicial review. The Supreme Court is set to hear challenges to his broad trade powers, which critics argue bypass Congress. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have floated the “Sanctioning Russia Act” that would authorize tariffs of up to 500% on nations trading with Moscow—underscoring how central economic warfare has become in U.S. strategy against Russia.