A bipartisan group of US Senators has introduced a bill proposing tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from five countries, including India and China, over their continued purchases of Russian oil.
The proposed legislation targets India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, accusing them of helping finance Russia’s war effort through energy imports.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said the bill goes beyond tariffs by imposing sweeping sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy, including its energy, financial and defence industries, as well as Russian oligarchs and President Vladimir Putin.
“While it has been described as a tariffs bill, it also includes comprehensive sanctions targeting Russia’s economy,” Blumenthal told reporters.
He added that the tariff provisions are narrowly focused on the five largest buyers of Russian oil, with waiver authority available only under limited circumstances.
The legislation exempts 15 European countries that continue importing limited quantities of Russian gas. Lawmakers argued that these nations rely on Russian supplies for only a small portion of their energy needs and are actively working to reduce their dependence on Moscow.
If approved, the bill would mark the first time the US Congress explicitly authorises tariffs as a geopolitical tool aimed at countries accused of supporting another nation’s war effort through trade.
An earlier version of the proposal had called for tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries importing Russian oil and gas, but lawmakers later revised the measure, reducing the proposed tariff to 100 per cent.
The bill was presented on Capitol Hill by Republican and Democratic senators as a tribute to late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who played a key role in drafting the legislation before his passing.
Republican Senator Katie Britt described the proposal as one of Graham’s most significant legislative efforts, while Senator Roger Wicker called it a major step toward preserving peace in Europe.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged Congress to act swiftly, calling the current moment a critical opportunity to pass the legislation.
The proposal comes weeks after the United States announced plans to impose 12.5 per cent tariffs on imports from 54 countries, including India, over allegations related to goods produced through forced labour.(Agencies)
