Fact Check: The us didn’t tariff Russia because we don’t trade with them anyway.

The Claim: "The U.S. didn’t tariff Russia 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 relations has surfaced in various discussions, particularly in the context of U.S. foreign policy and economic sanctions. This claim suggests that the minimal trade between the two nations negated the need for tariffs. However, the reality of U.S.-Russia trade relations is more complex, especially in light of recent geopolitical events.

What We Know

1. Trade Volume: According to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the goods trade deficit with Russia was reported at $2.5 billion in 2024, which reflects a significant decrease from previous years, indicating that while trade exists, it is not extensive compared to other trading partners 3.

2. Sanctions and Tariffs: The U.S. has imposed severe sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, which have significantly impacted trade relations. In 2023, the U.S. raised tariffs on many Russian goods, particularly metals, under the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act. Tariffs on certain metals were doubled from 35% to 70%, and in some cases, increased to as high as 270% 25.

3. Historical Context: The claim also references a historical perspective, noting that during the Trump administration, Russia was notably spared from new tariffs that were imposed on many other countries. This decision was attributed to the existing sanctions and the limited trade volume with Russia at that time 67.

4. Current Sanctions: As of 2023, the U.S. continues to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia, which are part of a broader strategy to apply economic pressure in response to its military actions. These sanctions have been described as "severe" and are aimed at crippling key sectors of the Russian economy 1410.

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. did not impose tariffs on Russia because of minimal trade is partially accurate but lacks nuance. While it is true that U.S. trade with Russia is limited, the imposition of tariffs has been influenced significantly by geopolitical factors, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

1. Source Reliability: The USTR reports (1, 2, 4) are official government documents and are generally considered reliable, as they reflect the U.S. government's stance and actions regarding trade. However, they may also reflect a particular narrative that aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

2. Media Perspectives: Articles from sources like The New York Times (6) and the Belfer Center (7) provide context on the historical decisions regarding tariffs and sanctions. While these sources are reputable, they may carry biases based on their editorial slants or the political affiliations of their contributors.

3. Conflicting Narratives: Some analyses, such as those from CEPA (8) and Russia Matters (9), suggest that the lack of tariffs during certain periods may have been politically motivated rather than purely based on trade volume. This raises questions about the motivations behind trade policies and the extent to which they are influenced by broader geopolitical considerations.

4. Methodological Considerations: The claim's validity hinges on the definition of "trade." If one considers only the volume of goods exchanged, the assertion may hold. However, the impact of sanctions and tariffs on trade dynamics complicates this view. More comprehensive data on trade flows, including services and investment, would provide a clearer picture.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that the U.S. did not impose tariffs on Russia because of minimal trade is partially true, as it accurately reflects the limited trade volume between the two nations. However, this assertion oversimplifies the situation by neglecting the significant influence of geopolitical factors, particularly the sanctions imposed in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

While the U.S. has indeed raised tariffs on certain Russian goods in recent years, the historical context shows that political motivations have also played a role in tariff decisions. The evidence indicates that while trade is limited, it is not the sole reason for the absence of tariffs at various points in time.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, as the complexity of international trade and sanctions can lead to varying interpretations. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to international trade and policy.

Sources

1. U.S. Trade Representative. "2023 Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of Russia's WTO Commitments." Link
2. U.S. Trade Representative. "Statement by Ambassador Katherine Tai on the Imposition of Higher Tariffs." Link
3. U.S. Trade Representative. "Russia | United States Trade Representative." Link
4. U.S. Trade Representative. "USTR Publishes 2023 Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of Russia's WTO Commitments." Link
5. U.S. Department of Commerce. "Statement by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the Imposition of Higher Section Tariffs." Link
6. The New York Times. "Why Did Trump Spare Russia From New Tariffs?" Link
7. Belfer Center. "Why Was Russia Spared From Trump's Tariffs?" Link
8. CEPA. "Russia — Zero Tariffs Bring Zero Relief." Link
9. Russia Matters. "Why Was Russia Spared From Trump's Tariffs?" Link
10. Alston & Bird. "New U.S. Sanctions, Export Controls, and Tariffs Against Russia Mark." Link