Fact Check: The is did not tariff Russia like other countries because we don’t trade with them anyway

The Claim: "The U.S. did not tariff Russia like other countries because we don’t trade with them anyway"

Introduction

The assertion that the United States did not impose tariffs on Russia due to a lack of trade between the two nations has surfaced in discussions surrounding recent tariff policies. This claim suggests that the absence of tariffs is not a matter of preferential treatment but rather a reflection of minimal trade activity. To evaluate this claim, we will analyze available evidence regarding U.S.-Russia trade relations and the rationale behind the tariff decisions made by the Trump administration.

What We Know

1. Tariff Exemptions: Russia was notably excluded from a list of countries subjected to new tariffs announced by President Trump in April 2025. This decision was part of a broader strategy that included tariffs on numerous other nations, particularly China and members of the European Union 156.

2. Trade Volume: The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in the previous year, the U.S. exported approximately $526 million worth of goods to Russia while importing around $3 billion, resulting in a significant trade deficit of about $2.48 billion 4. This indicates that while trade exists, it is relatively limited compared to other trading partners.

3. Sanctions Context: The absence of tariffs on Russia has been attributed to existing Western sanctions, which already impose significant economic restrictions on the country. These sanctions are a response to various geopolitical issues, including Russia's actions in Ukraine 258.

4. Official Explanations: Various sources, including the White House, have indicated that the lack of tariffs on Russia is not due to a lack of trade but rather the complexities of existing sanctions and diplomatic considerations 57.

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. did not impose tariffs on Russia because of minimal trade requires a nuanced examination of both trade data and the political context surrounding U.S.-Russia relations.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited provide a mix of journalistic and analytical perspectives. For instance, the New York Times and BBC are generally regarded as credible news outlets, though they may have editorial biases that could influence their framing of the issue 12. The Belfer Center, which offers a more analytical viewpoint, is affiliated with Harvard University and is typically considered a reliable source for policy analysis 4. However, it is important to note that any analysis from think tanks may reflect specific ideological leanings.

• Trade Data Evaluation: The trade figures presented indicate that while the U.S. does engage in trade with Russia, the volume is significantly lower than with other countries that were subjected to tariffs. This raises questions about the claim's validity, as it suggests that trade volume alone does not fully explain the tariff decisions.

• Political Context: The existing sanctions against Russia complicate the narrative. These sanctions serve as a form of economic pressure that may negate the need for additional tariffs. This context is crucial, as it suggests that the rationale behind tariff decisions is not solely based on trade volume but also on broader geopolitical strategies.

• Conflicting Perspectives: Some sources argue that the lack of tariffs is a strategic choice rather than a reflection of trade volume 68. This perspective challenges the claim by emphasizing that the U.S. administration's decisions are influenced by factors beyond mere economic transactions.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further clarify the claim, additional information that could enhance understanding includes:

• Detailed analysis of the specific sanctions imposed on Russia and their economic impact.
• Historical context regarding U.S.-Russia trade relations and how they have evolved over time.
• Insights from trade economists on how trade volume typically influences tariff decisions in other contexts.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that the U.S. did not impose tariffs on Russia because of minimal trade is mostly false. While it is true that the trade volume between the U.S. and Russia is relatively low compared to other countries, the absence of tariffs is more accurately attributed to the existing sanctions and broader geopolitical considerations rather than solely a lack of trade. The evidence indicates that the U.S. administration's decisions regarding tariffs are influenced by complex diplomatic factors, which complicates a straightforward interpretation of the claim.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The nuances of international trade and sanctions can be difficult to quantify, and the political context surrounding these decisions may not be fully captured in the data. Therefore, while the claim is misleading, it is essential for readers to critically evaluate the information and consider the broader implications of U.S.-Russia relations.

Sources

1. The Hidden Decisions Behind Trump's Tariff Formula. The New York Times. Link
2. Russia not on Trump's tariff list. BBC News. Link
3. Trump Tariffs: See Which Countries Have the Highest Rates. The New York Times. Link
4. Why Was Russia Spared From Trump's Tariffs? Belfer Center. Link
5. White House explains why Russia not included in Trump's new tariffs. Newsweek. Link
6. Trump's tariffs list is missing one big country: Russia. Axios. Link
7. White House explains lack of tariffs on Russia, North Korea, others. The Hill. Link
8. Trump tariffs: Why are Russia and Belarus not targeted? DW. Link
9. See the full list of reciprocal tariffs by country from Trump's "Liberation Day" list. CBS News. Link
10. Trump tariffs list in full: Every country hit and the surprising exemptions. The Independent. Link