The new US law expands sanctions on Russia and gives President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting China and India.
Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has signed legislation expanding sanctions on Russia and giving his administration new authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas.
The White House confirmed on September 18 that Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, into law. The legislation expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia while extending existing sanctions on Iran.
The measure could expose major Russian energy buyers, including China and India, to significantly higher US tariffs. However, the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on either country. It gives the US president authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions.
Law targets Russia’s energy sector
The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence industries and the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to transport Russian oil while circumventing existing sanctions.
The broader objective is to increase economic pressure on Moscow by restricting revenue linked to Russia’s energy exports. Reuters reported that the law also gives Trump expanded authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
The White House had previously supported the legislation, saying it would strengthen the president’s ability to pressure Russia toward a negotiated resolution of the Ukraine war.
China and India could face tariffs
One of the most consequential provisions allows tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported into the United States from countries identified among the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, subject to the law’s conditions.
China and India are among the largest purchasers of Russian oil, putting them among the countries potentially exposed to the new tariff authority.
The legislation does not simply name China and India as countries receiving a 100% tariff. Instead, the administration will have to determine which countries meet the relevant criteria and how the provisions are applied.
Reuters reported that the law allows the tariffs to be imposed within a specified period, while leaving the administration significant discretion over implementation.
India warns of impact on bilateral ties
India has already expressed concern over US measures targeting countries that purchase Russian oil.
India’s foreign ministry said earlier this week that additional US tariffs linked to Russian energy purchases could affect bilateral relations, while New Delhi said it remained focused on protecting its energy security.
India has continued purchasing Russian crude at a time when Russian energy remains an important component of its energy supply.
China also among major Russian energy buyers
China is another major purchaser of Russian energy and could therefore be affected by the legislation depending on how Washington applies the new tariff authority.
The law comes as US-China relations are already dealing with broader trade and economic disagreements.
Trump is also scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in the coming period, adding a diplomatic dimension to the new tariff authority.
Sanctions also cover Iran
The legislation is not limited to Russia.
The White House said H.R. 5334 also extends existing sanctions on Iran. The administration’s earlier policy statement supported provisions extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 for five years.
The measure therefore combines Russia-related sanctions and tariff authorities with an extension of the US sanctions framework targeting Iran.
Congress approved the legislation
The legislation received bipartisan support in Congress, although some lawmakers opposed provisions expanding presidential tariff authority.
The Senate passed the measure before the House approved it on September 16. Reuters reported that the bill was signed by Trump on September 18 after completing the congressional process.
The legislation was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a leading supporter of tougher measures against Russia.
