Story perspectives

Trump Pauses 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 10:36 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump paused Graham Act tariffs on top Russian oil buyers, including India.
He signed an October 16 executive order waiving sanctions, restrictions and duties, halting 100% tariffs slated for October 18.
The pause follows a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over 300,000 tonnes.
The suspension eases pressure on Indian exporters and supports U.S.–India trade talks.

History

Historical Context

After the United States imposed its first large-scale energy sanctions on Russia in 2014 following the Crimea annexation, Washington has repeatedly used tariffs to pressure Moscow. By 2022, sanctions had frozen roughly $1 trillion of Russian assets, and in October President Trump issued an order temporarily lifting 100 % tariffs on Russian diesel for Indian buyers such as Reliance, echoing the 2014 leverage strategy.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump paused Graham Act tariffs on top Russian oil buyers, including India.
He signed an October 16 executive order waiving sanctions, restrictions and duties, halting 100% tariffs slated for October 18.
The pause follows a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over 300,000 tonnes.
The suspension eases pressure on Indian exporters and supports U.S.–India trade talks.

1 / 2