Trump's Tariff List Excludes Russia, Stirring Mixed Reactions in the West

In a surprising move, former President Trump’s recent tariff list does not include Russia, a decision explained by existing US sanctions. The omissions have garnered mixed reactions, especially from Western analysts who are skeptical of this leniency towards Moscow.

One of the most unexpected highlights of former President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcements is the noticeable absence of Russia from the list of targeted nations. This decision has been met with a mix of disappointment and speculation in Western media, who were expecting a stronger stance against Moscow regarding trade.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed US outlet Axios that Russia, along with Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea, was excluded because current US sanctions "preclude any meaningful trade." In contrast, countries with significantly lower trade volumes with the US, such as Syria—which exported just $11 million worth of goods last year—were included in the tariff list.

The sanctions imposed on Russia were largely in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. Trump’s approach to Russia has been viewed as somewhat friendlier since his return to office, prompting him to prioritize ending the Ukraine conflict. Recently, a senior Russian official met with Trump’s administration in Washington to discuss ongoing negotiations.

In a recent statement, Trump threatened to impose a steep 50% tariff on any nations purchasing Russian oil unless President Vladimir Putin agreed to a ceasefire. Russian media have suggested that the lack of tariffs represents not a preferential treatment for Russia but rather a reflection of existing Western sanctions.

State-operated television Rossiya 24 remarked, "No tariffs have been imposed on Russia... simply because Western sanctions are already in place against our country," while other media outlets voiced disappointment over Russia's exclusion from the tariffs.

US imports from Russia amounted to $3.5 billion (£2.7 billion) in 2024, predominantly consisting of fertilizers, nuclear fuel, and various metals. Pro-Kremlin commentary has poked fun at the intricacies of the tariff list, mentioning the inclusion of remote Heard Island and McDonald Islands and joking about the implications for its penguin residents.

Amid this, Ukraine faces a new 10% tariff on its exports to the US. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's first deputy prime minister, warns that this will disproportionately affect small producers. Ukraine, which exported goods worth $874 million (£642 million) to the US last year, continues to advocate for favorable trade terms while acknowledging the extensive military support the US has provided in its conflict with Russia.

As discussions continue over the implications of these tariffs, many speculate about the long-term impacts on US-Russia relations, especially given the complex intertwining of trade, war, and international diplomacy.