Trump Urges Europe to Slap 100% Tariffs on China and India

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing Europe to take a harder economic stance — this time by demanding the EU impose 100% tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods. His goal: to cut off Russia’s financial lifeline and pressure Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

A Bold Request to the EU

According to Reuters and Financial Times, Trump made the call during a U.S.–EU meeting where both sides discussed ways to step up economic pressure on Moscow.

The move comes as Trump struggles to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, with battles on the ground showing no signs of slowing. “I’m not happy with the whole situation,” Trump told reporters on Sept. 9, adding that he plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days.

U.S. Seeks Europe’s Backing

Washington has already tightened sanctions on Russia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. is ready to ramp up economic pressure but stressed that European support is critical.

While the EU has already cut its reliance on Russian oil and gas, about 19% of Europe’s natural gas imports still come from Russia. A sweeping tariff strategy against Moscow’s top buyers — China and India — would represent a major shift for Europe, which has so far leaned on sanctions rather than trade penalties.

Trade Tensions With India and China

China and India remain among Russia’s biggest energy customers. Just last month, the U.S. slapped a 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to its purchases of Russian oil.

Trump has also signaled that Washington and New Delhi are negotiating to resolve trade barriers. He said he expects talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “to end successfully.”

What’s Next?

If the EU follows Trump’s lead and imposes steep tariffs on Beijing and New Delhi, it would mark one of the most aggressive economic moves against Russia since the war began.

Whether Europe is ready to take that leap, however, remains an open question.