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President Donald Trump has called on the European Union to impose steep tariffs of up to 100% on imports from China and India, aiming to intensify economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine. This bold proposal came during a high-level meeting between U.S. and EU officials in Washington, D.C., reflecting rising frustrations over Moscow’s ongoing military aggression and the limited success of existing sanctions.
Targeting Russia Through Its Oil Buyers
China and India are among Russia’s largest purchasers of oil, providing critical revenue that supports Moscow’s military operations. By urging the EU to impose these massive tariffs, Trump seeks to disrupt the flow of economic support to Russia by making it more costly for these countries to continue buying Russian energy exports. The U.S. has already implemented significant tariffs on Indian imports—doubling them to 50% earlier this year due to India’s ties with Russia—while tariffs on Chinese goods stand at 30%.
Coordinated Transatlantic Approach
Trump’s push for the EU to adopt similar tariffs signals a potential strategic shift in European policy, which until now has focused primarily on sanctions rather than direct trade levies. An EU diplomat confirmed that Washington is prepared to mirror any tariffs Europe imposes if the bloc decides to move forward. This call for a united front underscores the U.S. desire to amplify the economic squeeze on Russia by targeting key nations enabling its war effort through oil purchases.
Broader Implications and Trade Relations
Despite the tough stance, Trump indicated openness to expanding trade ties with India, suggesting ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving trade barriers between the U.S. and India. He expressed optimism about future conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “very good friend.”
Yet, the proposal is contentious. The EU still imports about 19% of its natural gas from Russia, and imposing 100% tariffs on China and India would mark a dramatic escalation. Such measures could lead to heightened trade tensions and have broad implications for global markets, international relations, and diplomatic alliances.
Context Amid Escalating Conflict
Trump’s tariff proposal comes as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies. Recent missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s government buildings and civilian areas have raised alarm, highlighting the urgency felt by U.S. officials to apply harsher economic tools to push Putin toward peace talks. The U.S. President has hinted at upcoming direct conversations with Putin, aiming to broker a resolution to the ongoing war.
