US Tariffs on Russia in 2025
The landscape of US-Russia trade relations in 2025 continues to be shaped by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the sustained impact of sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to official U.S. Census Bureau data, US imports from Russia reached $1.059 billion in the first three months of 2025 (January-March), while US exports to Russia totaled $134.7 million, reflecting dramatically reduced bilateral commerce compared to pre-conflict years.
Current trade policies maintain the restrictive framework established since 2022, with the Trump administration’s continuation of existing sanctions and tariff measures. The United States implemented a 35 percent tariff rate on more than 570 groups of Russian products worth approximately $2.3 billion starting July 27, 2022, which remains in effect. Russia was notably excluded from Trump’s 2025 universal tariff proposals because U.S. sanctions already “preclude any meaningful trade”, though Trump has proposed “secondary tariffs” ranging from 25 to 50 percent on nations that purchase oil from Russia. The data shows a stark transformation in the bilateral economic relationship, with the trade deficit reaching -$924.5 million for Q1 2025.
Current US–Russia Trade Tariff 2025
| Tariff Measure | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 35% tariff on over 570 groups of Russian products | Implemented | Effective from July 27, 2022 |
| Secondary tariffs of 25–50% on countries buying Russian oil | Proposed (Not Implemented) | Targeted at third-party countries supporting Russian energy |
| Russia excluded from 2025 universal tariff proposals | Confirmed | Due to existing economic sanctions |
The United States has maintained and expanded a range of tariff measures targeting Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. A 35% tariff has been in effect since July 27, 2022, covering over 570 groups of Russian imports as part of broad economic sanctions. In addition, the U.S. has proposed secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% aimed at countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, though these have not yet been implemented. As a result of these strict sanctions, Russia has been excluded from participating in the 2025 universal tariff proposals, reinforcing its economic isolation on the global stage.
US–Russia Trade Tariff Statistics (2024–2025)
| Metric | 2025 Data (Jan–Mar) | 2024 Full Year | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Imports from Russia | $1.059 billion | $3.008 billion | -64.8% |
| US Exports to Russia | $134.7 million | $526.1 million | -74.4% |
| Trade Balance | -$924.5 million | -$2.481 billion | Deficit reduced |
| Monthly Import Peak 2025 | $523.5 million (March) | $438.7 million (May) | +19.4% |
| Monthly Export Average | $44.9 million | $43.8 million | +2.5% |
Between 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, U.S.–Russia trade relations experienced a significant downturn, shaped primarily by escalating sanctions, geopolitical tensions, and reinforced tariff barriers. U.S. imports from Russia dropped sharply by 64.8%, falling from $3.008 billion in 2024 to just $1.059 billion in the first three months of 2025. Similarly, U.S. exports to Russia plunged by 74.4%, decreasing from $526.1 million in 2024 to $134.7 million in early 2025. This reduction in trade volumes points to the continued isolation of Russia from Western markets and the tightening of restrictions on both sides. The trade deficit, although still substantial at -$924.5 million, improved compared to -$2.481 billion in 2024, primarily due to the sharper drop in imports over exports.
Interestingly, March 2025 saw a notable spike in imports, hitting $523.5 million, which is 19.4% higher than 2024’s monthly peak in May ($438.7 million). This may reflect temporary market adjustments, exemptions, or delayed shipments clearing port backlogs. Meanwhile, the monthly average for U.S. exports slightly increased to $44.9 million, a 2.5% rise over 2024’s average of $43.8 million—indicating some resilience in specific sectors like medical supplies or humanitarian-related goods. However, the broader trend reflects a deepening freeze in U.S.–Russia commercial ties, with trade now primarily reactive to policy decisions rather than market-driven demand.
US–Russia Import Export Trade Statistics (2021–2025)
| Year | US Imports (Billions) | US Exports (Millions) | Trade Balance (Billions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.638 | $6,388.2 | -$23.250 |
| 2022 | $14.437 | $1,656.1 | -$12.781 |
| 2023 | $4.571 | $599.6 | -$3.971 |
| 2024 | $3.008 | $526.1 | -$2.481 |
| 2025 (Q1) | $1.059 | $134.7 | -$0.925 |
The trade volume analysis based on official Census Bureau data reveals the dramatic transformation in US-Russia commercial relations over the past four years. Pre-conflict trade levels in 2021 showed US imports from Russia totaling $29.638 billion, making Russia a significant trading partner for specific commodities, particularly energy products. The implementation of comprehensive sanctions in 2022 immediately reduced imports by 51.3% to $14.437 billion, while exports plummeted by 73.1% to $1.656 billion.
The trajectory continued downward through 2023 and 2024, with 2024 imports representing just 10.1% of pre-conflict levels. The quarterly data for 2025 suggests that if current trends continue, annual imports could fall below $4.2 billion, representing an 85.8% reduction from 2021 levels. US exports to Russia have experienced an even more severe contraction, with 2025 quarterly exports of $134.7 million indicating potential annual exports of approximately $539 million, compared to $6.39 billion in 2021.
US–Russia Monthly Trade Patterns 2025
| Month | Imports (Millions) | Exports (Millions) | Trade Balance (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | $196.2 | $34.9 | -$161.2 |
| February 2025 | $339.6 | $49.8 | -$289.8 |
| March 2025 | $523.5 | $50.0 | -$473.5 |
The monthly trade patterns in early 2025 demonstrate significant volatility in US-Russia commerce. January imports of $196.2 million represented the lowest monthly figure, while March saw a dramatic increase to $523.5 million, representing a 167% month-over-month increase. This volatility likely reflects the complex interplay of ongoing sanctions, seasonal demand variations, and the limited range of permissible goods still traded between the two countries.
US exports to Russia have remained relatively stable across the three-month period, ranging from $34.9 million in January to $50.0 million in March. This stability suggests that permitted export categories have found consistent demand, despite the overall challenging trade environment. The monthly trade deficit has fluctuated accordingly, with March showing the largest deficit at $473.5 million, primarily driven by the spike in import values.
Historical Comparison and Impact Assessment
| Period | Average Monthly Imports | Average Monthly Exports | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2022 | $1.2-2.5 billion | $400-600 million | Energy-dominated trade |
| 2022 | $1.203 billion | $138 million | Sanctions implementation |
| 2023 | $381 million | $50 million | Full restrictions effect |
| 2024 | $251 million | $44 million | Stabilized low levels |
| 2025 Q1 | $353 million | $45 million | Continued restrictions |
The historical comparison based on Census Bureau data reveals the profound and lasting impact of US trade restrictions on bilateral commerce with Russia. Pre-conflict monthly imports regularly exceeded $1.2 billion, with peak months reaching $2.5 billion during periods of high energy demand. The energy sector dominated this trade, with Russian oil, natural gas, and petroleum products comprising the majority of import values.
The implementation of comprehensive sanctions in 2022 created an immediate structural break in trade patterns. Monthly import averages fell to $1.203 billion in 2022, but this figure masks the dramatic month-to-month variation as sanctions were implemented and expanded throughout the year. By 2023, average monthly imports had stabilized at $381 million, representing a 68% reduction from 2022 levels and an 84% reduction from pre-conflict averages.
Current trade levels in 2025 suggest that the US-Russia commercial relationship has reached a new equilibrium at dramatically reduced volumes. The $353 million average monthly imports in Q1 2025 represents a slight increase from 2024 levels, possibly indicating that the remaining permissible trade has found stable channels despite ongoing restrictions. However, this figure still represents an 85% reduction from pre-conflict levels, demonstrating the lasting impact of geopolitical tensions on bilateral economic relations.
2024 Monthly Trade Statistics
| Month | Imports (Millions) | Exports (Millions) | Trade Balance (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | $244.0 | $30.0 | -$214.0 |
| February 2024 | $287.9 | $36.0 | -$251.9 |
| March 2024 | $427.0 | $43.7 | -$383.3 |
| April 2024 | $297.5 | $33.9 | -$263.5 |
| May 2024 | $438.7 | $48.0 | -$390.7 |
| June 2024 | $186.7 | $42.3 | -$144.4 |
| July 2024 | $295.3 | $45.3 | -$250.0 |
| August 2024 | $84.4 | $54.5 | -$29.8 |
| September 2024 | $168.1 | $53.4 | -$114.8 |
| October 2024 | $314.4 | $52.1 | -$262.4 |
| November 2024 | $137.6 | $49.0 | -$88.6 |
| December 2024 | $126.0 | $37.9 | -$88.0 |
| TOTAL 2024 | $3,007.5 | $526.1 | -$2,481.4 |
The complete 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows significant monthly variations in trade volumes, with May 2024 recording the highest import level at $438.7 million and August showing the lowest at $84.4 million. This volatility reflects the ongoing impact of sanctions and the limited categories of goods still permitted for trade.
Current Tariff Framework
Existing Tariffs (Implemented July 27, 2022):
- 35% tariff rate on more than 570 groups of Russian products
- Estimated value: $2.3 billion worth of Russian goods
- Part of coordinated G7 response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
2025 Policy Status:
- Russia was excluded from Trump’s 2025 universal tariff proposals because U.S. sanctions already “preclude any meaningful trade”
- Trump has proposed “secondary tariffs” ranging from 25 to 50 percent on nations that purchase oil from Russia (not yet implemented)
- Congressional proposal for 500% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, natural gas, uranium and other exports (pending approval)
The 35% tariff remains the primary direct tariff measure on Russian goods, while the focus has shifted to potential secondary sanctions on third countries that continue trade with Russia.
The future trajectory of US-Russia trade remains highly dependent on geopolitical developments and policy decisions. Based on current Census Bureau data trends, trade volumes are likely to remain constrained at similar levels to 2024, representing continued operation within existing sanctions frameworks.
Policy implications extend beyond bilateral trade to broader US economic strategy. The sustained reduction in Russian trade has accelerated supply chain diversification efforts and enhanced energy independence initiatives. Alternative supplier relationships have been strengthened, creating new strategic partnerships that may persist even if US-Russia relations eventually normalize.
The long-term outlook suggests that even under scenarios of gradual improvement, US-Russia trade is unlikely to return to pre-2022 levels within the current decade. Structural changes in both economies, alternative supplier relationships, and enhanced domestic production capabilities have created new equilibriums that reduce dependence on bilateral trade.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
