Trump Urges EU to Impose 100% Tariffs on China and India to Pressure Russia

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS, Sept 11, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on China and India as a way to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.

Trump made the proposal during a conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, offering that the U.S. would mirror such tariffs if the EU joined in. The measure would mark a dramatic departure from Europe’s current reliance on sanctions against Moscow.

Background

China and India are two of the largest buyers of Russian oil, providing Moscow with critical revenue despite Western sanctions. The U.S. and EU have so far avoided trade tariffs on Asian giants due to fears of disrupting global supply chains.

China rejected Trump’s proposal outright, calling it an “unacceptable attempt at coercion.” India has yet to issue an official response. Analysts warn the policy, if adopted, could trigger a trade war with far-reaching global consequences.