Overview
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order exempting China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan from tariffs on Russian oil and gas.
- The presidential action relied on Section 115 of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and included a written certification to Congress saying the waivers serve U.S. national interest.
- The order halts the near-term risk of proposals that could have imposed up to 100% additional tariffs on major buyers of Russian crude.
- The exemption provides immediate trade relief for exporters and reduces the chance that U.S. import fees would raise prices for Indian goods sold in the American market.
- U.S. and Indian officials have scheduled follow-up talks, including a reported October 20 meeting in Mumbai, that will help determine whether the waivers are extended or revised and will shape broader policy toward Russia.