US Tariffs News: US Rules Out New Tariffs on China Over Russian Oil Unless Europe Acts

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that the Trump administration will not impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s purchases of Russian oil unless European countries introduce similar measures first. His comments came during a policy briefing in Washington, where he stressed the need for a united Western approach to sanctions and tariffs.

Bessent explained that while the U.S. remains concerned about China and India continuing to buy Russian oil, Washington will not act alone. “If Europe moves with steep duties, we will follow. But until then, unilateral tariffs by the United States are off the table,” he said. The statement underscores the administration’s belief that coordinated action with allies is more effective than isolated measures.

The message places the spotlight on European governments, which have faced internal divisions on how to handle Russian energy exports. While the EU has imposed a partial embargo on Russian oil, enforcement has been uneven, and several countries continue to rely on indirect flows. Bessent’s comments suggest Washington expects Europe to take the lead if stricter trade actions are to be applied against China and India.

Both China and India have emerged as key buyers of Russian oil since Western sanctions began in 2022, helping Moscow offset losses in European markets. Their continued imports have complicated U.S. and European efforts to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, which fund its military operations.

By tying U.S. tariffs to European action, the Trump administration is signaling that future trade measures will depend on allied consensus rather than unilateral moves. This approach reflects a strategy of burden-sharing while maintaining pressure on Russia’s energy sector. For now, China and India are unlikely to face immediate U.S. tariffs, but the situation could change quickly if Europe enforces new duties of its own.