The administration of US President Donald Trump is reviewing plans to introduce new tariffs that are scheduled to take effect on April 2, 2025, and affect 15 countries, including Russia. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources in the White House. Initially, the talk was about sectoral duties aimed at key industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing. However, as it became known, these measures will probably not be implemented in the previously announced form. Instead of dividing trading partners into three categories with different levels of duties - high, medium, and low - Washington intends to move to a more flexible approach, applying individual tariff rates to each of the target countries. This was said by a high-ranking official who wished to remain anonymous. 

According to the source, the new strategy is aimed at eliminating the trade imbalance with countries that provide a significant share of American imports. Donald Trump designated April 2 as "American Liberation Day" in early March, promising to equalize US duties with those of its trading partners. The list of countries subject to the measures includes Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam, Australia, and the European Union. This list is expected to remain virtually unchanged, although the final decision has not yet been approved. It is noteworthy that trade turnover between the United States and Russia in 2024 fell to a record low of $3,5 billion, the lowest since 1992. This decline is associated with existing sanctions and restrictions on bilateral trade. 

The move to individualized tariffs reflects the Trump administration’s desire to tailor economic pressure to the specific circumstances of each country, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach, the White House believes, will allow it to more accurately influence the economies of countries with which the United States maintains a significant trade deficit. Russia, despite its relatively small trade volume with America, remains in the spotlight due to political tensions and its role in the global energy and raw materials market. Experts suggest that the new measures could affect the export of metals and chemical products, although specific details have not yet been disclosed.