Washington: President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a sweeping bill that expands U.S. economic pressure on Moscow and Tehran while granting the administration new authority to levy heavy tariffs on countries that keep buying Russian petroleum and gas.
Maximum‑Rate Tariff Clause
The centerpiece of the law empowers the president to impose import duties of up to 100 % on goods originating from any nation identified as a major purchaser of Russian crude or natural gas.
While the statute highlights India and China as the largest buyers, it does not automatically trigger a full‑scale tariff against either. The ultimate decision – including the exact rate – remains at the president’s discretion.
Eligibility for the tariff applies to the five top importers of Russian oil or gas measured over the twelve‑month window preceding the law’s activation.
Potential Gas‑Import Exemption
A separate provision offers relief for natural‑gas buyers. A country may avoid gas‑related duties if Russian gas shipments to it represented less than 15 % of Russia’s total gas exports during the reference period and the nation has demonstrably reduced its reliance on Russian supplies.
The act also authorises the president to waive certain sanctions when specific conditions are met.
Targeting Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
Beyond tariffs, the legislation broadens sanctions against Russia’s energy and defence infrastructure. It specifically names individuals and entities tied to the so‑called “shadow fleet” – a network of vessels and operators accused of moving Russian energy products while evading international restrictions.
Companies linked to Russia’s defence sector or to sanctions‑evasion schemes could face additional penalties under the expanded framework.
Implementation Timeline
The law becomes effective thirty days after Trump’s signature, meaning its tariff and sanction mechanisms could start influencing global trade flows very soon.
In practice, the new tariff authority gives Washington extra leverage over countries that continue to import Russian oil and gas, while the expanded sanctions target a wider array of energy‑related actors, defence partners, and evasion networks.
