In brief
The latest tariff announcement from Donald Trump left Russia off the list, largely due to existing sanctions and the overall reduction in trade between the two countries. While the absence may disappoint some Western observers, it aligns with a broader strategy of managing relationships in light of recent geopolitical tensions.
In a surprising development, Russia has not been included in Donald Trump's recent tariff list targeting US trade partners. The omission has sparked disappointment among some in the West, as reported by Axios, which cited White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicating that existing sanctions against Russia "preclude any meaningful trade." Notably, Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea also did not make the list, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding each country.In comparison, nations with far less commerce with the US, such as Syria—which exported goods worth just $11 million last year—are included in the tariff measures. After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the US imposed extensive sanctions affecting a wide range of economic activities.Trump’s approach towards Russia, however, has been generally more conciliatory since he resumed his presidential role. His administration has made expressed intent to prioritize ending the war, with significant diplomatic talks occurring, including a high-ranking Russian official visiting Washington.Last month, Trump floated the idea of a hefty 50% tariff on countries importing Russian oil unless President Vladimir Putin agreed to a ceasefire. Russian media, meanwhile, suggest their absence from the tariffs list is due to the existing sanctions rather than any preferential treatment. State media outlets like Rossiya 24 pointed out that the US Treasury's Scott Bessent stated, "Russia and Belarus, we don't trade with. They're sanctioned."Data reveals that the US imported goods worth $3.5 billion from Russia in 2024, mainly including fertilizers, nuclear fuel, and some metals. Coverage in Russian state media has adopted a somewhat mocking tone, with some suggesting Trump treats European allies as subservient players reacting with discontent to the tariff measures.Meanwhile, Ukraine faces a 10% tariff on its exports to the US, a move described by First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as predominantly burdensome on small producers. In 2024, Ukraine reported $874 million in exports to the US but imported $3.4 billion, underlining the complexity of their economic relationship.Despite the modest scale of trade, the US has provided substantial support to Ukraine in its challenges against Russia. Trump has claimed that the aid ranges between $300-$350 billion, while the Department of Defense cited a figure of $182.8 billion designated for military support and training as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
