Trump Proposes Radical Tariffs on India & China, Pending EU Green Light

President Donald Trump has proposed a radical new trade policy to combat Russia, suggesting that the US and EU jointly apply tariffs of up to 100% on India and China. This plan, which is pending a green light from the European Union, is designed to pressure Vladimir Putin by targeting the economies of his most important allies. The proposal was formally presented to EU officials during a recent visit to Washington.
The administration has indicated it is prepared to move forward immediately with this aggressive strategy but has made it entirely conditional on European cooperation. This stance puts the EU in the driver’s seat, forcing it to decide whether to join a move that could significantly disrupt global trade. The push for such measures is a direct result of stalled Ukraine peace talks and Russia’s military escalations.
This strategy is a clear response to the deepening ties between Russia and the two Asian giants. The US has already signaled its displeasure with these relationships by imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods due to its Russian oil imports. The new plan would represent a monumental escalation of this policy.
Meanwhile, Trump’s ability to implement any new tariffs is under a legal shadow. The Supreme Court is set to rule on the extent of his authority on trade, and an unfavorable decision would not only block this new initiative but would also mandate a massive refund of previously collected duties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned this would be a “terrible” financial outcome for the United States.