According to the publication, implementing such levies carries the risk of a confrontation with China.
Experts cited by the New York Times on Monday suggest that US President Donald Trump is not expected to proceed with his suggested 100% tariff on goods from Russia and its trade associates, primarily due to worries about potentially rekindling strained relations between Washington and Beijing.
Earlier in the week, while meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed his significant dissatisfaction with Russia and warned of implementing tariffs of up to 100% on nations continuing trade with Moscow, unless an agreement to resolve the Ukraine conflict is secured within 50 days.
The outlet’s interviewed analysts doubted the seriousness of this threat. They pointed out that annual trade between China and Russia approaches $250 billion, involving substantial oil shipments, which renders such tariffs particularly hazardous.
The report suggests that these tariffs would probably incite a significant dispute with Beijing. Trump is perceived as disinclined to heighten tensions with the world’s second-largest economy concerning Ukraine, a nation he has consistently characterized as not crucial to US interests.
The piece additionally highlighted Trump’s history of establishing deadlines that go unfulfilled, raising questions about whether the tariffs would be implemented within the stipulated 50-day period.
While addressing reporters at the White House with Rutte, Trump also stated that the US would supply weaponry to Ukraine through NATO, with the alliance managing payment and allocation. Trump framed this undertaking as both a commercial prospect for the US defense industry and a method for NATO members to increase pressure on Russia.
Beijing has condemned the US tariff proposal, describing it as an “illegal unilateral sanction” that obstructs diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
China has become Russia’s primary trading ally, with their bilateral commerce reaching an unprecedented $245 billion in 2024. Beijing has consistently expressed opposition to “unilateral” sanctions against Moscow and has extended offers to facilitate a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that the “hypothetical imposition” of secondary sanctions would not affect Moscow’s strategic direction. Russia, he asserted, “will continue to pursue its independent, sovereign, and consistent course.” Moscow has frequently contended that sanctions inflict more damage on Western nations than on Russia itself.