A sweeping US sanctions proposal backed by President Donald Trump could trigger severe China tariffs, potentially reaching 500 percent, over Beijing’s continued imports of Russian oil and uranium, escalating global trade tensions linked to the Ukraine war.
The proposed legislation, titled the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, authorises the US President to impose massive trade penalties on countries that “knowingly engage” in transactions involving Russian-origin energy products. China, one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian crude since Western sanctions were imposed, is among the primary targets of the bill.
What the New US Bill Means for China Tariffs
Introduced by US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, the legislation is designed to cut off revenue streams funding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine by targeting major energy customers.
Senator Graham has explicitly named China as a country that could face pressure, warning that China tariffs would be a central enforcement tool if Beijing continues purchasing discounted Russian oil.
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500% China Tariffs Linked to Ukraine Peace Conditions
Under the bill, China tariffs of at least 500 percent would be automatically triggered if the US president determines that:
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Russia refuses to negotiate a peace settlement with Ukraine
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Any peace agreement is violated
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Moscow launches renewed military action
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Efforts are made to undermine Ukraine’s government
The legislation mandates that the US president must raise duties on all goods and services imported from countries engaging in Russian petroleum and uranium trade to a minimum of 500 percent, directly putting China’s exports at risk.
Trump Approval Gives New Momentum to China Tariffs
Confirming Trump’s approval, Senator Graham said the former president had “greenlit” the bipartisan bill following extensive discussions. He argued the legislation would give Trump “tremendous leverage” over countries like China, which has expanded Russian energy imports amid ongoing Western sanctions.
Analysts say Trump-backed China tariffs under this framework would far exceed previous US trade measures and could mark one of the most aggressive tariff regimes in modern trade history.
Global Trade Risks as China Tariffs Loom
The prospect of extreme China tariffs has raised concerns among global markets, with economists warning of potential retaliation, supply-chain disruption, and renewed volatility in US–China trade relations.
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China has consistently defended its energy trade with Russia as a matter of economic sovereignty, while Washington argues that such purchases undermine efforts to isolate Moscow financially.
Wider Geopolitical Implications
If enacted, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 could reshape global trade patterns and deepen geopolitical divisions, particularly between the United States and major economies maintaining ties with Russia.
Observers warn that large-scale China tariffs could trigger a new phase of trade confrontation, with consequences extending well beyond the Ukraine conflict.
