Is There a Tariff on Russia? What Business Owners and Importers Often Get Wrong

So, you're looking at your supply chain or just scanning the news and wondering: is there a tariff on russia?

The short answer is a resounding yes. But the long answer is a mess of executive orders, revoked trade statuses, and a "Column 2" tax bracket that most people haven't thought about since the Cold War. If you're trying to move goods across the border in 2026, the landscape looks nothing like it did five years ago.

Honestly, the "normal" days of trade with Russia are over. Gone.

The Most Favored Nation Breakup

Most people don't realize that international trade usually runs on a "we like everyone equally" rule called Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. In early 2022, the U.S. basically swiped left on Russia. Congress passed the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, which effectively kicked them out of the "cool kids" club of trade partners.

What does that mean for your wallet?

It means Russian goods shifted from "Column 1" duties (often 0% or very low) to "Column 2" duties. Column 2 is essentially a "penalty box" for countries the U.S. doesn't have good relations with. We’re talking about rates that can soar to 40%, 50%, or even 90% depending on the specific item.

Why is there a tariff on russia for almost everything now?

It’s not just one blanket tax. It’s a layering effect. Think of it like a lasagna of financial penalties.

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First, you have that Column 2 baseline. Then, the White House started dropping specific Proclamations. Proclamation 10420 and 10598 are the big ones to watch. These orders bumped the duty rate on hundreds of Russian products specifically to 35% ad valorem.

Here’s a look at what’s getting hit the hardest right now:

• Steel and Aluminum: Aluminum from Russia is currently staring down a massive 200% tariff. That’s not a typo. It’s a deliberate move to make Russian aluminum commercially radioactive in the U.S. market.
• Chemicals and Minerals: Chapters 28 and 29 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are full of 35% duties on Russian inorganic and organic chemicals.
• Wood Products: New phases of wood tariffs kicked in on January 1, 2026. If you’re importing softwood timber or certain types of plywood, you’re likely paying a premium that makes sourcing from Canada or Brazil look like a bargain.
• Consumer Goods: Even things like "certain furniture" and "travel goods" have been swept up in the 35% net.

The Secondary Tariff Threat (The 2026 Twist)

This is where things get really spicy for 2026. The Trump administration has been floating a new weapon: secondary tariffs.

If you aren't familiar with the term, a secondary tariff isn't a tax on Russia. It's a tax on other countries that buy too much from Russia. Specifically, there's been massive pressure on India. Because India’s purchase of Russian oil skyrocketed to nearly 1.8 million barrels per day, the U.S. has levied a 25% incremental tariff on certain Indian exports as a "penalty."

There is even a bill floating around the Senate right now, backed by Senators Graham and Blumenthal, that suggests a 500% tariff on any country purchasing Russian oil.

Is it a bluff? Maybe. But for a business owner, it’s a nightmare to plan for.

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It’s Not Just Tariffs—It’s Total Bans

Sometimes the answer to "is there a tariff" is actually "no, because you can't buy it at all."

The U.S. has outright banned the importation of Russian:

1. Crude oil and petroleum products.
2. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal.
3. Seafood (especially that famous Russian salmon and crab).
4. Alcoholic beverages (goodbye, authentic Russian vodka).
5. Non-industrial diamonds.

If you try to bring these in, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) isn't going to ask for a check. They’re going to seize the shipment.

Practical Steps for Importers in 2026

If you’re still trying to navigate this, you can’t wing it. "I didn't know" doesn't fly with the feds.

Verify the Country of Origin (COO)
Don't just trust your supplier's invoice. If a product is "made in Kazakhstan" but 80% of the value comes from Russian steel, you might still be liable for those 200% duties under "substantial transformation" rules. CBP is getting incredibly aggressive with audits in 2026.

Check the HTS Subheadings
Don't just look at the general category. You need to look at the specific 10-digit HTS code. Many items have been moved to Heading 9903.90.08, which is the specific "Russian Penalty" bucket.

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Review Your Contracts
If you have long-term supply agreements, check the "Force Majeure" and "Change in Law" clauses. If a new 500% secondary tariff drops tomorrow, who pays? You or the supplier? If your contract is silent, you're probably the one eating the cost.

Watch the Supreme Court
Currently, there’s a big legal battle over the President's authority to use the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to set these rates. A ruling is expected early this year. If the court clips the White House's wings, we might see some of these rates roll back—or at least change shape.

The Bottom Line on Russian Trade

The era of "globalization as usual" with Russia is dead. Whether it's the 35% baseline for chemicals or the 200% wall for aluminum, the goal of U.S. policy is to make Russian goods a financial liability.

To stay compliant and profitable, you must move toward "friend-shoring." Shift your supply chains to countries that still enjoy Most Favored Nation status. The "Russia tax" isn't just a temporary hurdle; it's a structural part of the 2026 economy.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

1. Audit your Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to ensure no Russian raw materials are sneaking into your finished goods.
2. Consult with a licensed Customs Broker to re-classify any goods coming from Eurasia to ensure you aren't accidentally underpaying (and setting yourself up for a massive fine later).
3. Monitor the "Secondary Sanctions" list monthly, as the U.S. Treasury (OFAC) is adding new entities almost every week in 2026.