Trump announces additional sanctions for Russia oil buyers, also for China

Trump announces additional sanctions for Russia oil buyers, also for China

President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that there are further penalties for countries that buy Russian energy products after he New Zohle in height of 25 % has raised in India , which should come into force on Thursday. Trump commented on this in the Oval Office: "You will see a lot more. This is just a foretaste. You will see so many secondary sanctions." These measures are part of his high-risk plan to damage the Russian economy in the course of the Ukraine War.

The background of the sanctions

Trump had set a Friday as a deadline so that Russian President Vladimir Putin could make peace before he imposes economic punishments. Putin's war machinery could not stop earlier US sanctions, including under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden.

The strategy of Trump

The strategy represents an escalation in Trump's use of tariffs, its trademark in the second term. These “secondary tariffs” are intended to make third countries before choosing: break off relationships with a US opponent or risk further punishments. Despite his positive views of the progress that was achieved between Putin and the US specialist Steve Witkoff during a meeting on Wednesday, Trump indicated that this could not be enough to avert the new sanctions.

China as the largest buyer

The largest buyer of Russian energy is China with whom Trump works on a new trade agreement. US authorities report significant progress in the negotiations. Nevertheless, Trump did not rule out China with the new secondary sanctions, although this could endanger the trade talks. "One of them could be China," he said. "It could happen. I don't know. I can't tell you yet."

China's answer to the sanctions

China had previously stated that it will take “energy supply measures that are appropriate for China, taking into account our national interests.” The spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, expressed during a press conference: "Customs wars have no winners. Dugity and pressure cannot solve problems. China will resolute his own sovereignty, security and development interests."

India reacts to the tariffs

The USA and China continue to work to extend a trading talent that has held up high tariffs and expires on August 12th. China's exports accelerated before this upcoming appointment and exceeded expectations with growth of 7.2 % in July compared to the previous year - faster than 5.8 % in June.

Trump's threats to secondary tariffs have tightened the tensions between Washington and one of its most important trading partners. On Wednesday, the US President announced comprehensive and substantial tariffs in India, which means that the punishments against the fifth largest economy in the world are among the highest ones. In addition to the 25 % tariffs that come into force on Thursday, Trump announced another 25 % inch in India, which will come into force this month as a punishment for the import of Russian oil and gas.

India reacted to Trump's customs escalation and defended his purchases of Russian oil. "We have already clarified our position on these questions, including the fact that our imports are based on market conditions and, as a whole, serve the goal of ensuring the energy supply of 1.4 billion people in India," said an explanation of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the United States decides to impose additional tariffs for measures that are also taken by several other countries in their own national interest."