Turkish press: U.S. Senate Proposes 500% Tariff on Countries Importing Russian Energy — Turkey Included

In a bold legislative move aimed at intensifying pressure on Moscow, the U.S. Senate has introduced a bill proposing a staggering 500% customs tariff on countries that continue to import Russian energy. The bill specifically targets nations like Turkey and European Union member states, which remain reliant on Russian oil, gas, and petrochemical products.

Bipartisan Support to Isolate Russia

The proposed legislation has garnered rare bipartisan backing, spearheaded by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal. With 81 signatures already in the Senate, the bill reflects growing momentum to further isolate Russia from global energy markets in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The proposed tariff would apply to any country that knowingly purchases or facilitates the delivery of Russian-origin oil, natural gas, uranium, or petrochemicals. The underlying aim is to penalize nations that continue to fuel the Russian economy through energy trade, despite widespread international sanctions.

Turkey Among Targeted Nations

Turkey is prominently mentioned in the context of the bill. As a key regional energy hub, Turkey imports Russian natural gas through two major pipelines — Blue Stream and TurkStream — both crossing the Black Sea. The TurkStream pipeline alone consists of two lines, each with an annual capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters. Overall, the system delivers over 40 bcm to Turkey and more than 53 bcm to European markets.

Moreover, Ankara is actively developing a natural gas trading hub, which could further entrench its ties with Russian energy suppliers — a factor that could place it in direct conflict with Washington’s new legislative direction.

Strained Alliances and Logistic Challenges

Analysts warn that imposing such steep tariffs could create significant logistical complications and strain U.S. relations with strategic allies like Turkey and India, both of whom have maintained energy ties with Russia despite geopolitical tensions. It may also risk undermining U.S. influence in critical regions if not managed diplomatically.

EU Reactions: A Double-Edged Sword

The European Union has offered a cautious response to the U.S. proposal. On one hand, Brussels welcomes the initiative as part of a broader effort to increase pressure on the Kremlin. On the other, there are serious concerns about its economic fallout, especially for export-dependent industries and ongoing transatlantic trade talks.

If passed, the measure could introduce secondary trade frictions between Washington and Brussels, potentially complicating joint responses to global security and economic challenges.

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