Why Russia Skipped Trump’s Tariff List: Trade Sanctions and Political Games

In an unexpected twist, Russia was notably absent from Donald Trump’s recent tariff list for US trade partners. This exclusion has sparked curiosity and debate, primarily because existing US sanctions against Russia—implemented in response to its invasion of Ukraine—render any significant trade almost impossible, according to external White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The analysis also highlighted that countries like Cuba, North Korea, and Belarus were excluded, even though lesser-traded nations such as Syria found themselves on the list. Following Trump’s historic return to the White House, he has increasingly advocated for a more favorable stance toward Russia, even labeling the end of the war in Ukraine as a priority. In a notably aggressive move, Trump once warned of imposing a 50% tariff on countries importing Russian oil unless a ceasefire was reached.

Russian media outlets have questioned the rationale behind the absence of tariffs, suggesting that it is not a mark of special treatment but rather the consequence of ongoing sanctions. Rossiya 24 TV asserts that the current trade dynamics preclude any tariffs, which disappointed some in the West. Meanwhile, sarcastic commentary on state-run channels mocks the concept of trading with distant, exotic territories, mentioning how Heard Island and McDonald Islands made it onto the tariff list while Russia did not.

In contrast, Ukraine is facing a 10% tariff on its exports to the US after an estimated $874 million worth of goods were sent to America in 2024. Ukrainian officials expressed concern that this tariff would predominantly impact small producers, underlining the delicate balance of trade between the US and its allies amid geopolitical tensions. Despite the complexities, it has been noted that the US has invested significantly in material support against Russian aggression, highlighting a complicated relationship underlined by both aid and tariffs.