If you're asking if there are any tariffs on Russia, the short answer is a loud, resounding yes. But the long answer? It’s a mess. Honestly, it’s a tangled web of trade laws, emergency executive orders, and shifting geopolitical goalposts that could make even a seasoned customs broker's head spin.
Most people think trade with Russia just stopped back in 2022. It didn’t. While the "big stuff" like oil and gas gets all the headlines, a surprising amount of stuff still moves across borders—it just costs a fortune to do it now. We aren't just talking about a little 5% tax at the border. We are talking about "punitive" rates.
The Death of Most-Favored-Nation Status
Let’s get the foundational stuff out of the way first. Historically, Russia enjoyed what's called Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the U.S. and "Most-Favored-Nation" (MFN) status with most of the world. Basically, this meant they got the same low tariff rates as everyone else.
That’s dead.
In 2022, the U.S. Congress officially revoked this status. When that happened, Russian goods shifted from "Column 1" duties (low or zero) to "Column 2" duties. If you've ever looked at a Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Column 2 is the scary column. It's essentially the "countries we don't like" rate, originally designed during the Cold War.
Specific Tariffs on Russia: The Heavy Hitters
As of 2026, the landscape is even more aggressive. The Trump administration has doubled down on using tariffs as a primary tool of foreign policy. It’s not just about stopping Russian goods; it’s about making them so expensive that no sane business would buy them.
Aluminum and Steel
This is where it gets brutal. Russian aluminum is currently hit with a 200% tariff. Think about that. If you buy $100,000 worth of Russian aluminum, you’re paying the U.S. government $200,000 just for the privilege of bringing it in. For steel, the rates have climbed under Section 232 "national security" justifications, often reaching 50% or more depending on the specific derivative product.
The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025"
Things took a dramatic turn recently. In late 2025, the "Sanctioning Russia Act" moved through D.C., and it’s a beast. This isn't just a tariff; it's a threat. The law authorizes the President to impose up to 500% tariffs on goods from any country that knowingly buys Russian petroleum or uranium.
- The India Factor: This has caused a massive rift with New Delhi. India has been a huge buyer of "cheap" Russian oil. In response, the U.S. slapped a 25% "incremental" tariff on many Indian exports as a penalty.
- The Result: If you’re a business owner in the U.S. and your supplier uses Russian raw materials, you might be paying extra even if the product doesn't come directly from Russia.
Seafood, Vodka, and Diamonds
These were some of the first things to go. There is a near-total ban on Russian seafood (no more Alaskan-style king crab that actually came from Russian waters), vodka, and non-industrial diamonds. Even if they are processed in a third country like India or China, the "prohibitively high" tariffs or outright bans usually apply.
Why the EU and U.S. are Diverging
You’ve got to keep an eye on the Atlantic gap. While the U.S. uses massive tariffs, the European Union has leaned harder into "phase-outs."
For example, the EU is on a strict timeline to end all Russian natural gas imports by January 1, 2028. Short-term contracts for Russian LNG are facing a ban in April 2026. However, some countries like Hungary and Slovakia still get Russian crude through the Druzhba pipeline due to "carve-outs."
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The U.S. is less interested in carve-outs right now. The current administration has signaled that if you're doing business with Russia, you're going to pay for it at the port of entry.
Surprising Loopholes (That are Closing)
For a while, there was this thing called de minimis. It allowed small packages (under $800) to enter the U.S. duty-free. A lot of small Russian-made goods—art, niche car parts, clothing—sneaked through this way.
That door is shut.
New executive orders in 2025 essentially suspended de minimis treatment for "countries of concern." Now, even a small $50 item can be hit with a formal entry requirement and those nasty Column 2 rates.
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Also, watch out for the "Secondary Sanctions" game. The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) is increasingly targeting the banks that facilitate Russian trade. So, even if the tariff is 0% on a specific obscure chemical, if no bank will process the payment because they fear U.S. retaliation, the "effective" tariff is 100%—because the trade can't happen.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you're trying to navigate this, "playing it safe" is the only real strategy. Here’s what you actually need to do:
- Audit Your Tier 2 Suppliers: It’s not enough to know your supplier is in Vietnam. You need to know where they get their steel, aluminum, or chemicals. If it’s Russia, you might get hit with "anti-circumvention" duties that can exceed 100%.
- Check the "Entity List": Tariffs are one thing, but if your partner is on the Entity List, you're looking at criminal penalties, not just taxes.
- Factor in the 500% Risk: If you deal in energy-intensive goods, keep an eye on the "Sanctioning Russia Act." If a country like China or India doesn't back down on Russian oil, the "secondary" tariffs on their exports to the U.S. could make your supply chain overnight-bankrupting.
- Watch the Supreme Court: There are currently legal challenges (like V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. United States) questioning whether the President has the authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to set these rates. A ruling could potentially lead to massive tariff refunds, though don't hold your breath.
Basically, the era of cheap Russian commodities is over. The "tariffs" are effectively a wall. Whether you call it a tax or a sanction, the result is the same: the cost of doing business with Russia in 2026 is designed to be unsustainable.
If you're importing, your best move is to diversify your sourcing toward USMCA partners (Mexico/Canada) or "Friend-shoring" allies who have already cut ties with Moscow. The price of loyalty to Russian suppliers is simply getting too high to justify on a balance sheet.
Strategic Recommendation: Immediately request a "Certificate of Origin" for any metal-heavy or energy-intensive imports. In the current climate, a lack of documentation is treated by Customs as a "guilty until proven innocent" scenario regarding Russian content. Reach out to a licensed Customs Broker to review your HTS classifications under the new 2026 Column 2 requirements to avoid surprise seizures at the border.