Trump Does Not Need Senate Nod For 500% Tariffs On Russian Oil Buyers: US Treasury Secretary

Tensions between the United States and India have risen after President Trump implemented tariffs regarding Russian oil purchases and increased visa fees. In addition, US President Donald Trump has given a green light to the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill which would give leverage against India, China, and Brazil to stop them from purchasing Russian oil and punish the countries “fueling Putin’s war machine.

As per the official website of US Congress, the bill titled “Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025” by Graham seeks to impose several provisions, which includes penalties on individuals and entities including an increase of the rate of duty on all goods and services imported from Russia into the United States to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services.

According to United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday, President Donald Trump does not require congressional approval to impose a 500 per cent tariff on countries that import Russian oil; however, the stated tariff threat appears to be aimed at China, rather than India, this time around.