Washington – President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18, 2026, granting the administration expanded authority to penalize countries that continue to import Russian petroleum products.

Maximum 100% Tariff Authority

The centerpiece of the bill authorizes the president to impose import duties of up to 100 % on goods from any nation that ranks among the top five buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas during the 12‑month period preceding the law’s activation.

While India and China are the most likely targets, the statute does not automatically trigger a full‑scale tariff; the final rate rests solely with the president after a case‑by‑case assessment.

Possible Gas‑Import Exemption

A specific carve‑out applies to Russian natural‑gas shipments. A country may avoid gas‑related duties if its imports constitute less than 15 % of Russia’s total gas exports for the reference period and it can demonstrate concrete steps to curtail those purchases.

The act also permits the president to waive certain sanctions when deemed appropriate under narrowly defined circumstances.

Crackdown on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

Beyond energy, the legislation broadens the reach of U.S. measures against Russia’s defense‑linked networks. It targets individuals and entities tied to the so‑called “shadow fleet,” a shadowy collection of vessels and operators accused of ferrying Russian energy or sidestepping international embargoes.

Companies and persons connected to Moscow’s defence industry or to sanctions‑evasion schemes may now face additional restrictions under the expanded framework.

Implementation Timeline

The law is slated to become effective within 30 days of Trump’s signature, meaning its tariff and sanction provisions could start influencing global trade flows very soon.

In practice, the new tariff authority gives Washington a potent lever over nations that persist in buying Russian oil and gas, while the augmented sanctions regime tightens pressure on Russia’s energy sector, defence partners, and evasion networks.