‘Could happen’: Trump says China may face India-like tariffs over Russian oil trade

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday stated that he may introduce further tariffs on China, similar to the 25% duty previously imposed on India for its purchase of Russian oil, according to Reuters.

When asked by a reporter at the White House whether he has any similar plans to enact more tariffs on China, Trump replied, “It may happen…I can’t tell you yet. We did it with India. We’re probably doing it with a couple of others. One of them could be China.”

#WATCH | On being asked, 'On the Indian penalties, do you have any similar plans to enact more tariffs on China', US President Donald Trump says, "Could happen. Depends on how we do. Could happen."

(Source: The White House/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/iauBFQ91mH — ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025

This announcement follows Trump’s declaration of an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, in addition to the earlier 25% duty, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil.

Trump responded to India’s criticism of the newly imposed tariffs by questioning why India is being targeted when other countries, like China, also continue to purchase oil from Russia. He indicated that additional secondary sanctions are forthcoming.

"It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what happens. You're going to see a lot more...You're going to see so much secondary sanctions," Trump said.

The White House order did not mention China, which is another big purchaser of Russian oil. Last week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned China that it could also face new tariffs if it continued buying Russian oil.

(With agency inputs)