Trump signs Graham Act authorizing 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers

New presidential tariff powers

US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday, 18 September 2026. The 48-page statute creates broad authority for the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, directly affecting primary trading partners including China and India. The measure permits these tariffs to remain in effect beyond the current presidential term. To accommodate European allies, the text provides specific exemptions for countries where Russian natural gas comprises less than 15% of total supply, provided those governments demonstrate active steps to reduce dependence. The president also retains statutory discretion to select targeted nations, adjust tariff rates, or suspend penalty provisions on a case-by-case basis.

Sectoral restrictions and the shadow fleet

The legislation broadens sanctions across the Russian economy by targeting core energy and defense enterprises, domestic banks, and commercial financial institutions. At Donald Trump's request, congressional drafters incorporated provisions penalizing Iran's energy and weapons sectors. The law targets Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, along with senior political figures and military commanders in Moscow. In addition, enforcement mechanisms specifically penalize the operations of Russia's shadow fleet of crude oil tankers, which Moscow uses to evade international maritime sanctions. External supplier networks and intermediaries that provision the Russian defense establishment or assist in sanctions circumvention also face asset freezes and transaction prohibitions under the statute.

Legislative trajectory and Graham tribute

The statute commemorates Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who led efforts to pass harsher penalties on Moscow before dying at age 71 on 11 July 2026 from an aortic dissection following an official visit to Kyiv. The enactment marks the first comprehensive congressional sanctions package against Moscow since 2024, following more than a year of legislative debate. The Senate approved the bill in August, and the House of Representatives passed it on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal previously described the legislation as scorching sanctions designed to restrict funding for Russian military operations.

Global energy flows and diplomatic timing

According to data compiled by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China purchased 50% of Russian seaborne crude oil exports between December 2022 and August 2026, followed by India at 37%. Turkey and the European Union each accounted for 5% during that period, with European imports continuing to decline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the enactment, stating on social media that full implementation is required to pressure Moscow.

“The best reward for all those who help us put pressure on Russia to end the war will be peace.”

China50%

India37%

Turkey5%

European Union5%

China

50 %

India

37 %

Turkey

5 %

European Union

5 %

Data from the article text

The bill signing took place one week prior to a scheduled diplomatic meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Speaking to journalists at the White House regarding European security concerns, Trump defended the stricter economic posture toward Moscow.

“For about five years they have been attacking Ukraine's allies.”