U.S. Holds Off on Tariffs Against China Over Russian Oil Until Europe Acts

The United States has declared it will refrain from imposing tariffs on China for importing Russian oil until Europe takes similar actions. This decision was announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent during a press briefing held on September 15, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.

U.S. Strategy and Goals

The U.S. intends to pressure China and India to diminish their revenue from Russian oil. This pressure is built on encouraging European countries to lead by example and implement tariffs on Russian oil imports.

Secretary Bessent’s Statement

Secretary Bessent emphasized the need for:

• a united international effort to cut off Russia’s financial gains
• Europe to set the example by initiating tariffs
• The U.S. will only follow with similar measures once Europe acts

Broader Western Strategy

This step is a part of the larger Western approach to weaken Russia economically after its destabilizing actions on the global stage. Key points include:

1. The European Union currently depends significantly on Russian oil imports.
2. Discussions within the EU are underway about reducing this dependence by imposing tariffs and exploring alternative energy sources.

Challenges Faced by Europe

European officials recognize the difficulty of enforcing tariffs due to potential increased energy costs for their populations, but stress the importance of:

• Limiting Russia’s oil revenue
• Maintaining global security
• Upholding international law

International Dynamics

While China and India continue to be major purchasers of Russian oil at discounted prices, the U.S. sees this as undermining Western sanctions. The call for European leadership reflects a desire for a coordinated global response to ensure no country acts alone.

Future Outlook

As talks and diplomatic efforts move forward, the situation remains fluid. These developments are expected to influence:

• Global energy markets
• International relations
• Broader geopolitical landscape

Stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News for the latest updates on this evolving story.

About The Author