US,Sep.10,2025:During a high-stakes conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, Trump proposed a coordinated move: the EU should impose 100% tariffs on India and China–
100% tariffs on India and China
The 100% tariffs on India and China proposal sparks alarm and intrigue. In a forceful plea to the European Union, U.S. President Donald Trump urged up to 100% tariffs on goods from India and China, marking a striking escalation in trade pressure aimed at discouraging access to Russian oil. This strategy is part of a broader effort to strangle Russia’s financial inflows amid its escalating aggression in Ukraine.
War Pressure and Oil Revenue Disruption
China and India remain two of the largest buyers of Russian oil—key revenue sources that fuel Moscow’s military campaigns. By targeting them with steep tariffs, Trump seeks to choke off funds feeding the Kremlin’s war machine.
Trump Urges EU to Apply 100% Tariffs on India and China
During a high-stakes conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, Trump proposed a coordinated move: the EU should impose 100% tariffs on India and China, and the U.S. would mirror those tariffs.
- “We’re ready to go, ready to go right now, but we’re only going to do this if our European partners step up with us,” a U.S. official conveyed.
- The FT and Reuters both reported these proposals with caution, noting the serious implications and the need for EU cooperation.
Trade Talks with India Continue
Despite the tough stance, Trump also signaled warmer diplomacy with New Delhi:
- He confirmed that trade talks with India are ongoing, with hopes for a smooth resolution.
- On social media, Trump said he plans a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. Modi, in turn, referred to India and the U.S. as “deep friends and natural partners,” and expressed optimism for the trade dialogue’s future.
EU Caution, India’s Diplomatic Tone
EU Response
EU officials appear cautious about implementing such extreme tariffs. While recognizing the strategic push to undercut Russian resources, they are wary of collateral damage to trade ties with China and India.
India’s Diplomacy
India maintains optimism in its relationship with the U.S. Modi’s response emphasized partnership, reflecting a balanced approach amid escalating economic tensions.
Global Trade, Energy Flows, and Geopolitical Risks
- For Global Trade: Implementing 100% tariffs on India and China could trigger serious retaliation, disrupting supply chains—especially in tech, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors.
- For Energy Markets: Targeting nations that import Russian oil could create energy shocks, especially if alternate buyers appear.
- For Geopolitics: The proposal marks a dramatic shift toward punitive trade measures as a tool of geopolitical strategy, raising questions about the role of economic coercion in diplomacy.
With the 100% tariffs on India and China proposal, Trump delivers both a tough economic ultimatum and a paradoxical embrace of diplomacy. The U.S. hopes to squeeze Putin’s resources while still nurturing ties with key partners. The outcome hinges on whether the EU will fall in line—and what global ripple effects will follow.
