Overview

• Rubio said Chinese refiners process large volumes of sanctioned Russian crude and export the resulting products into Europe and beyond.
• He warned that enforcing secondary sanctions on such refiners could disrupt oil supply chains and drive up prices for international buyers.
• The United States has hit India with tariffs as high as 50% over its Russian oil purchases while refraining from similar penalties on China.
• European governments have privately raised objections to proposed 100% tariffs on China and India, reflecting divisions over the reach of U.S. sanction tactics.
• Brussels has rolled out multiple sanctions packages—including price caps and export bans on third-country refined products—while affected refiners pursue legal challenges and adjust operations.