In his recent round of tariffs, President Donald Trump exempted Russia while hitting Ukraine with a 10% tariff on its exports to the US.
Russia, which imported $3.5 billion worth of goods to the US in 2024—mainly fertilizers, nuclear fuel, and metals—was notably absent from the list of new tariff targets. This raised eyebrows, especially considering Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Syria, a country with minimal trade ties to the US, was included on the tariff list, even though its exports to the US totaled just $11 million last year.
Russian media took a mocking tone at the decision. Pro-Kremlin outlet NTV claimed that Trump treated European allies like “serfs” who only respond with “moaning.” Zvezda TV, a station run by Russia’s defense ministry, also took aim at the list, joking that even the uninhabited Heard Island and McDonald Islands would now face a 10% tariff, saying, “Looks like it’s some penguins who will have to pay the 10% tariff.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine, a vital US ally, faces a 10% tariff on its exports to the US. In 2024, Ukraine sent $874 million worth of goods to the US and imported $3.4 billion in goods. Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, criticized the move, saying the tariff would hit smaller producers the hardest. “Ukraine has much to offer the United States as a reliable ally and partner,” she said, adding that fair tariffs benefit both nations.
In addition to the tariffs, the US has been in discussions with Ukraine over access to the country’s mineral resources as part of efforts to end the ongoing war.
The White House defended its decision to exempt Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Belarus from the new tariffs, citing existing high tariffs and sanctions already in place.
A White House official explained, “They are already facing extremely high tariffs, and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries.”
China will face the highest tariffs, with a total of 54% on goods, following a new 34% tariff on top of an existing 20% duty. Other countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Cambodia will also see tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%.
