Trump Demands EU, NATO Tariffs on India and China to End Ukraine War Amid Heightened Tensions

US President Donald Trump has issued a bold call for NATO and European Union member states to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. The controversial demand, made during a recent meeting with EU officials and reiterated on Truth Social on September 13, aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump’s proposal targets China and India due to their significant purchases of Russian oil, which he argues helps sustain the Russian economy. This initiative follows remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated Washington’s readiness for tighter economic restrictions on Russia, contingent on stronger European support.

The request comes amidst a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions. Russian drones recently breached Polish and Romanian airspace, both NATO members, prompting strong condemnations from Warsaw and Bucharest and a bolstered NATO presence on its eastern flank. France and Germany have committed military assets to this effort.

While Trump previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on India for Russian crude imports, his administration has largely avoided similar measures against China due to delicate trade negotiations. However, he now pushes NATO for tariffs on Beijing, claiming it would weaken China’s economic influence over Russia.

The feasibility of such tariffs is a major concern for Europe, given its deep economic ties with China. Bilateral trade between the EU and Beijing reached approximately 732 billion euros ($860bn) in 2024, with China being the EU’s largest import partner. Imposing severe tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase production costs, and raise consumer prices across the EU. Despite these challenges, G7 finance ministers, including France, Germany, and Italy, convened on September 12 to discuss additional sanctions on Russia and potential measures against nations “enabling” the war.

Diplomatic responses are already underway. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that war and sanctions only complicate problems, hours after Trump’s September 13 pronouncement. US Treasury Secretary Bessent is scheduled to meet with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid on Monday to address trade tensions. Meanwhile, Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to hold talks soon, expressing optimism about resolving existing trade barriers.

The legality of Trump’s tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is currently being challenged, with a Supreme Court decision anticipated in November.

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