Trump exempts Russia from sanctions and customs duties before they take effect

On Friday (October 16, 2026), US President Donald Trump issued a presidential decree exempting Russia from major sanctions and customs duties, days before they came into effect under a law he signed last month, including duties on Russian goods and sanctions targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas. Trump said in the presidential decree, published by the White House, that the exemption serves the national interests of the United States.

A law to increase pressure on Moscow

The law, which Trump signed in mid-September, aims to increase pressure on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. However, Trump has recently shown rapprochement with Moscow and publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hinting that Kiev may need new leadership.

Weeks before the US midterm elections, during which Republicans led by Trump are seeking to maintain their narrow majority in both houses of Congress, analysts said that the new sanctions would have led to an additional rise in oil prices, at a time when Americans are already facing an increase in the cost of living that observers attribute to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Fees up to 100 percent

The legislation, of which the late Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham is the most prominent supporter, stipulates the imposition of customs duties of up to 100 percent within 30 days on all goods imported into the United States from the five largest countries importing Russian crude oil or gas.

The law also imposed the same fees on any country that continued to knowingly purchase Russian oil or gas 30 days after its passage, or was among the top five countries that helped Russia evade the sanctions.

The exemption continues until further notice

The presidential decree indicated that the exemption will remain in effect until Trump or senior officials in his administration decide to “take appropriate additional action.”

Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Punishment of Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in mid-September. “I have submitted to Congress certification that issuing such an exemption at this time serves the national interests of the United States,” Trump said in the presidential decree.

Objections from China and India

The proposed sanctions have raised concerns in countries including China and India, which are major buyers of Russian oil. Beijing said it "consistently opposes cross-border jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law," while India warned that the new US tariffs could affect bilateral relations between the two countries.

The law allows the president to exempt sanctions from implementation once he informs Congress that they do not serve the American national interest.

Criticism from Democrats and some Republicans

Democratic Representative from Virginia Don Beyer criticized Trump's decision, considering it a concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Trump’s recent capitulation to Putin once again betrays our Ukrainian partners and clearly defies Congress’ intent with legislation designed to punish Russia for its unlawful war of aggression,” Beyer said in a statement.

Trump also faced criticism from a number of senators, including Republicans, over a recent diesel agreement with Russia, under which he agreed to lift sanctions on Russian exports in exchange for increasing diesel supplies to global markets with the aim of lowering fuel prices. Critics of the agreement said the move could help fund the Russian war effort.

Trump's move came after he agreed with Putin to resume Russian diesel exports in exchange for easing US sanctions on Moscow. However, the agreement displeased Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described it as a "weak decision" and decided to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, contrary to the US President's announcement.

Edited by: Salah Sharara