Russia Omitted from Trump's Tariff List, Sparking Western Discontent

The decision not to impose tariffs on Russia, deemed disappointing by many, follows existing sanctions and highlights ongoing tensions amid the war in Ukraine.

Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcement has notably excluded Russia, a decision that local media sources describe as “a disappointment to many in the West.” According to a report from US outlet Axios, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that existing US sanctions on Russia hinder any substantial trade, which also led to the exclusion of Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea from the tariff list.

Interestingly, countries with even less trade with the US, such as Syria — which exported merely $11 million worth of products last year — were targeted with tariffs. This comes on the heels of the large-scale sanctions imposed on Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump has been noticed for his relatively amicable stance towards Russia since resuming presidency.

Trump's administration has prioritized an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially with a high-ranking Russian official in Washington for discussions. Previously, Trump had suggested imposing a hefty 50% tariff on nations purchasing Russian oil unless a ceasefire was agreed upon by President Vladimir Putin.

Russian media also echoed sentiments regarding their exclusion from tariffs, with state-run Rossiya 24 TV stating that the absence is “not due to special treatment” but rather because of existing sanctions. They noted that Western sanctions against Russia are comprehensive, rendering any trade discussions moot.

Kremlin-controlled media have expressed frustration, with many outlets framing the situation as one where the US is treating its European allies poorly. For instance, pro-Kremlin NTV remarked that Trump regarded these allies as “serfs.”

Furthermore, some Russian networks amusedly pointed out the inclusion of uninhabited territories like Heard Island and McDonald Islands on the tariff list. Zvezda channel sarcastically mentioned that now “some penguins” would be subjected to the 10% tariff.

Concerning impacts, Ukraine finds itself facing a 10% tariff on its exports to the US, a move that Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko states will primarily affect small producers. As Ukraine continues to navigate these challenges, they seek to solidify their status as a reliable ally to the United States, emphasizing the importance of fair tariffs for mutual benefit.

In 2024, trade figures between Ukraine and the US were notable, with Ukraine exporting $874 million and importing $3.4 billion. Despite these figures seeming minimal, the US has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine amidst the region's tensions, with Trump suggesting US spending on support has reached between $300-$350 billion.

As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, the repercussions of Trump’s tariff decisions are closely monitored, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.