US Senators Propose Heavy Tariffs on Countries Buying Russian Oil

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a revised sanctions package that would impose steep tariffs – up to 100 percent, with earlier drafts calling for as much as 500 percent – on nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas or uranium. The proposal targets the largest importers, chiefly China and India, and is designed to cut Moscow’s revenue while pressuring secondary markets.

The bill expands sanctions beyond customs duties to include Russia’s energy, finance and defence sectors, but provides exemptions for countries that cut their Russian energy imports to less than 15 percent and can demonstrate significant reduction measures. More than 85 senators have signed on, giving the measure enough support to overcome a possible presidential veto. Senate leadership plans a vote before the summer recess, though the recent death of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key sponsor, may affect timing.

Analysts note that while the tariffs aim to deter secondary sanctions evasion, they could also raise costs for U.S. consumers and businesses, and their effectiveness against China’s logistical work‑arounds remains uncertain.