Trump Exempts Tariffs and Sets Sanctions Under New Russia Sanctions Act

HAMILTON (ANTARA) — US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday evening (16 October) to implement a new law imposing sanctions on Russia, but exempted tariffs and several sanctions from its application.

The order implements the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed on 18 September.

Under the order, tariffs on Russian goods would rise by 500 per cent.

It also sets an additional 100 per cent tariff on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas if those countries make new purchases on or after 18 October.

The same 100 per cent tariff increase would apply to goods from the five countries deemed to play the greatest role in facilitating sanctions evasion related to Russian oil.

However, Trump exempted these tariffs on grounds of US national interest and submitted an official certification to Congress, according to the White House.

The exemption will remain in effect until the president or US secretary of state determines that further action is necessary.

The legislation was named in honour of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.