Trump Asks NATO To Impose 50-100% Tariffs On China
US President Donald Trump has urged NATO and the European Union to slap massive tariffs—up to 100%—on China and India in a bid to pressure Russia into ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump made this push during a recent meeting with EU officials, arguing that heavy tariffs could weaken Moscow’s key trading partners and speed up a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Why is Trump targeting China and India?
Both China and India have become major buyers of Russian oil, providing a lifeline for Russia’s economy despite Western sanctions.
- China imported 109 million tonnes of Russian crude oil last year, about 20% of its total energy imports.
- India imported 88 million tonnes in 2024, roughly 35% of its oil needs.
Trump has already raised tariffs on India but has so far avoided hitting China hard, given ongoing trade negotiations. Now, he’s asking NATO and the EU to take the lead.
Europe’s dilemma
The EU’s reliance on Russian energy has dropped sharply—from 45% of its gas imports in 2022 to about 13% this year. Still, Europe heavily depends on Chinese goods, especially electronics and manufacturing equipment.
Imposing 50–100% tariffs on China could:
- Disrupt European supply chains
- Raise production costs
- Increase prices for consumers
That makes it unlikely the EU will fully back Trump’s plan, though some countries support targeted measures.
Rising tensions with Russia
Trump’s call comes as NATO faces new provocations from Moscow. In recent days, Russian drones entered Polish and Romanian airspace, heightening security fears. France and Germany have responded by shifting military assets to NATO’s eastern flank.
Trump has expressed growing frustration with Vladimir Putin after face-to-face talks in Alaska and Russia’s largest aerial attack on Ukraine earlier this month. He warned that tougher sanctions on Russian banks and energy products may follow.
Legal and political hurdles
At home, Trump’s tariff powers are under legal challenge. US courts have ruled that his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs may exceed presidential authority. The case is now headed to the Supreme Court, with a decision expected in November.
What happens next?
- China’s response: Beijing rejected Trump’s proposal, saying sanctions only “complicate” conflicts.
- US-India relations: Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are continuing trade talks, with both leaders optimistic about a deal.
- US-China talks: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid to calm trade tensions.
For now, Europe seems reluctant to risk its own economic stability with such steep tariffs, but pressure is mounting as the war drags on.
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