🔥 Tariff SHOCK Incoming? Trump Wants 100% Duty on India-China Goods Over Russian Oil!
- MediaFx
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
TL;DRFormer US President Donald Trump reportedly urged the European Union to slap massive tariffs (50% to 100%) on goods from India and China — all because these countries are still buying cheap Russian oil. The idea is to cut off funds to Russia’s war chest. If this plan goes forward, Indian exports to Europe could take a serious hit. Trade tensions may rise sharply, and Indian workers and small businesses could be the ones paying the price.
What's the full story?
Things are heating up in global politics. Donald Trump, who's eyeing the White House again, is trying to put pressure on countries like India and China for continuing to buy oil from Russia.
He has reportedly told top EU officials to impose a 100% import tariff on goods from these countries. Why? Because Russia is still earning a lot of money from oil sales, and Trump believes that money is funding their military operations in Ukraine.
This isn't just a random rant. There’s also a serious move in the US Senate — a new bill with support from 85 Senators — that aims to allow America to punish countries doing major business with Russia through "secondary tariffs".
India, which has ramped up its imports of discounted Russian crude oil over the past two years, is squarely in their sights.
Why this matters for India 🇮🇳
Here’s why every Indian should pay attention:
India’s oil imports from Russia now make up almost 40% of its crude basket. It saves us thousands of crores every month.
That oil is refined here and the fuel is exported worldwide — including to Europe.
Even though the EU banned Russian oil directly, it still ends up importing refined fuels from India — so EU leaders are now feeling the heat and questioning their own loopholes.
Trump and his backers are trying to plug these gaps by hitting India (and China) with extreme tariffs, claiming they are helping Russia make money indirectly.
Numbers don't lie 📊
India imported 2 million barrels of oil per day from Russia in 2023 — up from almost nothing before the Ukraine war.
India exported $75 billion+ worth of goods to the EU last year — including textiles, pharma, auto parts, and software.
A 100% tariff could double the price of these goods in Europe, making them unviable — which could seriously harm Indian exporters.
What’s EU saying?
David O’Sullivan, EU’s sanctions envoy, admitted that discussions are ongoing. EU officials are under pressure from both sides — US and Ukraine — to tighten the net around Russian revenue.
So far, no formal decision has been made by the EU. But the fact that it’s being considered at such high levels shows that something big could be coming.
What does India say?
India hasn’t made any official response yet. But PM Modi recently spoke about removing “trade barriers” between India and the US, indicating he wants to keep the relationship smooth.
Behind the scenes, Indian diplomats are likely working to avoid any escalation. India has always maintained its strategic autonomy, especially in oil and energy decisions.
What can happen next?
This move could:
Damage India’s export economy, especially small and medium businesses that depend on Europe.
Trigger a trade war, where India may also slap tariffs on Western goods.
Increase oil prices or energy supply problems in India if pressure builds to cut ties with Russian suppliers.
Push India closer to countries like Russia, Iran, and China for trade alternatives.
What should the common people know?
Let’s be real. If these tariffs go ahead:
Factory workers in Tiruppur, Surat, Ludhiana or Hyderabad could lose jobs if European orders dry up.
Small businesses in AP and Telangana that export goods could be hit hard.
Fuel prices might go up if India is forced to reduce Russian oil imports.
In the end, it’s the working class who will suffer, not the politicians or big corporates.
MediaFx View – For the People
Once again, global power games are playing with the lives of ordinary people.
Why should workers in India lose jobs just because Western powers want to dominate the oil trade?
Why are rich countries allowed to make deals freely, but developing countries are punished for choosing cheaper energy?
This is not about peace or justice — it’s about controlling markets and crushing the Global South. If there’s a real will for peace, they should work on ceasefires, diplomacy, and cooperation — not sanctions and bullying.
India must stand firm for its people, its energy needs, and its economic sovereignty.
