Other sanctioned nations—Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea—were also exempt from tariffs. Meanwhile, major U.S. partners Canada and Mexico, previously targeted by Trump’s tariffs, were spared. China, already facing a 20% tariff due to its alleged role in fentanyl trafficking, saw its rate jump to 54% under the new measures.

The exclusion has raised eyebrows, especially as major trade partners like India (26%), the European Union (20%), and Vietnam (46%) have been slapped with hefty duties. So, why were these countries spared?

Data shared by the US indicates that goods trade between Russia and the US stood at $3.5 billion last year. The number had been a significantly higher $36 billion in 2021 before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.