President Trump signs law enabling 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil

President Trump signed a law on September 19, 2026 that allows tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from major buyers of Russian oil, potentially targeting India and China.

The law requires tariffs within 30 days on goods imported into the United States from the five largest importers of Russian crude or gas, and it also covers countries that knowingly make new purchases or rank among the top five helping Russia evade sanctions, officials said.

India and China are among the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil, but the legislation does not name specific countries or set out how the "top five" lists will be calculated, leaving the administration significant discretion, analysts said.

30-day deadline and discretion

The statute applies duties to goods entering the US from designated countries rather than to energy shipments themselves, a design that could allow steep tariffs on a wide range of imports if the administration moves to designate buyers. Immediate effects on trade flows are unclear because designation criteria are not public and implementation could be phased, officials said.

Some analysts cautioned that political and economic trade-offs could check enforcement: tariffs that raise consumer prices or energy costs could be unpopular ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, they said, creating a practical constraint on aggressive application.

The law requires any tariffs to be imposed within 30 days of enactment, giving the administration until October 19, 2026 to announce which countries, if any, will face duties and how the lists will be determined.