Trump Calls for EU to Hit China, India with 100% Tariffs to Pressure Russia

United States President Donald Trump has pressed the European Union to impose steep 100 percent tariffs on China and India as a strategy to compel Russia to halt its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to reports from U.S. and British media. The Financial Times first reported the development, stating that Trump made the request during a conference call with U.S. and EU officials in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

The proposed tariffs target China and India due to their significant purchases of Russian oil, which help sustain Russia’s economy amid its invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. Trump reportedly emphasized a coordinated effort, signaling that the U.S. would mirror any tariff actions taken by the EU. “We’re ready to go, ready to go right now, but we’re only going to do this if our European partners step up with us,” an unnamed U.S. official.

Trump’s push follows his earlier decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods by 25 percent this summer, citing New Delhi’s trade with Russia. However, he has not yet implemented the more severe measures he has previously suggested. Despite his call for EU action, Trump has also criticized the EU for its own trade ties with Russia, which accounted for roughly 19 percent of the bloc’s gas imports last year. The EU has committed to phasing out its reliance on Russian energy.

Later on Tuesday, Trump hinted at potential trade improvements with India, posting on social media that the U.S. and India are working to reduce trade barriers. He expressed eagerness to discuss the matter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The EU delegation, currently in Washington to coordinate sanctions, continues to evaluate Trump’s proposal as part of broader discussions on aligning economic measures against Russia.