Scott Bessent warned that China could face 100% tariffs if it continues buying Russian oil, citing a pending bill that allows secondary duties up to 500%.
https://kyivindependent.com/china-should-expect-100-tariffs-for-buying-russian-oil/
“The Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously. We don’t want to impede on their sovereignty, so they’d like to pay a 100% tariff,” Bessent said.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/bessent-warns-china-russian-oil-purchases-that-could-bring-100-tariffs-2025-07-29/
Trump already hit India with a 25% tariff under the same reasoning, citing continued Russian oil purchases. China responded sharply. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will not solve anything. China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/us-china-trade-beijing-warns-washington-against-coercion-on-russian-oil-vows-to-defend-energy-sovereignty/articleshow/123003386.cms
Few outlets noted that Chinese importers are already hedging future shipments to blunt impact from extreme tariff bands. Some forward contracts quietly priced in up to 300% risk exposure. Industry players say margin compression is becoming structural if U.S. moves beyond the symbolic 25% tier. China’s energy strategy remains cost-first, and political signaling from Washington is now treated as background noise.
Besent: “China ready to pay 100% tariff on Russian oil”
What China said: “We don’t care if you burden US customers with higher prices”. pic.twitter.com/jbYv8ofbRQ
— Alternative News (@AlternatNews) August 1, 2025
🚨🇨🇳🇺🇸Here is Scott Bessent warning China of a bill that is going through congress that will allow president Donald Trump to impose secondary tariffs of 100% to 500% if China continue to buy Russian Oil. Trump has just imposed a tariff of 25% on India using the excuse that India… pic.twitter.com/ArGca8w3dy
— Barrett (@BarrettYouTube) July 31, 2025