US-Russia Trade 2025: Key Stats, Tariffs & Global Impact
US-Russia Trade 2025: In 2024-25, trade relations between the US and Russia have not only become more complex but have also witnessed unexpected fluctuations. Despite Western sanctions and the ongoing Ukraine war, total trade in goods and services between the two nations in 2024 stood at USD 5.2 billion—about 26% lower compared to 2023. US exports to Russia amounted to USD 528 million, while imports from Russia reached USD 3 billion. This resulted in a US trade deficit with Russia of USD 2.4 billion, down 37.6% from 2023.
In 2025, this trend has shifted. Between January and May 2025, the US imported goods worth USD 2.1 billion from Russia—an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year. The sharpest rises were recorded in three commodity categories: palladium (up 37%), uranium (up 28%), and fertilisers (up 21%)—all of which are crucial to the US automotive, energy, and agriculture sectors.
US Trade Policy: Pressure, Tariffs, and Contradictions
Following the Ukraine war, the US imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, virtually halted crude oil and gas imports, and excluded Russia from the Western financial system (SWIFT). However, imports of nuclear fuel (uranium), precious metals such as palladium, and fertilisers have continued unabated. The reason is clear: there are no immediate alternatives for these commodities in global markets—especially for US nuclear plants and the automobile industry.
In 2025, the Trump administration escalated tensions by threatening “secondary tariffs” in relation to Russia, pushing global trade into a new phase of instability. Trump has explicitly announced that any country—particularly India and China—buying oil from Russia will face phased tariffs ranging from 25% to 100% on their exports to the US. India, which purchased an average of 1.75 million barrels of Russian crude oil per day in the first half of 2025, has been singled out as a primary target.
This pressure also extends to countries like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The US argues that by trading with Russia, these nations are “funding” the Ukraine war. Critics, however, point out that the US itself continues to import several strategic goods from Russia.
India, Russia, and the US: Trade Tensions
India has been the primary focus of US criticism—particularly over crude oil imports. In 2025, India increased its imports of Russian oil, fertilisers, and other minerals to meet its energy needs. When Trump announced plans to impose higher tariffs on Indian products, India responded bluntly, stating, “Countries that have not themselves stopped trading with Russia cannot lecture others.”
Russia, too, labelled the US’s dual policy as “neo-colonialism,” insisting it seeks to free itself from Western influence in matters of strategic interest. India stressed that its Russian trade policy stems from “economic necessity,” while the US and Europe have options yet continue to purchase strategic goods from Russia.
Key Commodities: Russian Goods in the US Market
The latest trade data from 2024-25 shows that the US primarily imported the following categories from Russia:
| Commodity | Estimated Imports (2024) |
|---|---|
| Fertilisers | USD 1.3 billion |
| Palladium, Platinum, Precious Metals | USD 878 million |
| Uranium & Radioactive Materials | USD 624 million |
| Chemical/Industrial Compounds | USD 695.7 million |
| Timber and Wood Products | USD 89.4 million |
| Machinery and Reactor Parts | USD 80.8 million |
| Aerospace and Aircraft Parts | USD 75 million |
Many of these commodities are essential to US infrastructure and energy security, making them difficult to replace.
US Domestic Trade Policy and Global Impact
Since 2022, the US has implemented policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act to accelerate domestic production and investment in high-tech sectors. At the same time, it has raised tariffs and non-tariff barriers on various products—including steel, aluminium, and electronics—from China and other countries, providing protection to US industries.
The US’s goals are clear: strengthen the dollar-based global trade model, protect domestic jobs and industries, and economically constrain Russia and other perceived adversaries.
“Secondary Tariffs” and Global Convergence
In 2025, the Trump administration made active use of the “secondary tariffs” policy, under which products from nations trading with Russia would be subject to punitive duties. This is expected to impact not only large markets like India and China but also US consumers and companies, through higher prices and rising inflation.
Analysts believe that if 100% secondary tariffs are imposed, it will disrupt supplies of essential goods, including oil, and cause a sharp spike in global prices—directly affecting the US economy. For this reason, some US experts argue that such tariffs are unsustainable in the long term.
Global Politics and a Multipolar Future
The US’s tariff-driven pressure and strategy to reshape the global trading system are pushing the economic arena towards multipolarity. The influence of blocs like BRICS is growing, while Russia and China are advancing towards alternative currencies and payment systems—such as the digi-ruble, digi-yuan, and SWIFT alternatives. Over time, this could challenge the dominance of the dollar.
Countries including India, Russia, and China are maintaining strategic distance amid Western sanctions and pressures, signalling the possible decline of the West’s unchallenged dominance and the decentralisation of global economic and political power centres.
Conclusion
- US-Russia trade remains active despite sanctions, tariff pressures, and diplomatic tensions—especially in sectors where the US market depends on Russia.
- Emerging markets like India continue to prioritise strategic autonomy and energy security despite US pressure.
- The current scenario is not only destabilising global trade but also pointing towards a multipolar, competitive economic order in the future.
The trade battle of 2025 encapsulates the US strategy, the reactions of global alliances, and the realities of market needs—carrying far-reaching consequences for both the global economy and international politics.
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