The Graham Act now offers Donald Trump a new economic arsenal against Russia and other countries that finance its energy sector. Promulgated on September 18, this legal standard authorizes customs duties of up to 100% against major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
In brief
- Donald Trump promulgates the Graham Act, which strengthens American sanctions against Russia.
- Tariffs of up to 100% may target major buyers of Russian energy.
- China and India are among the countries most exposed due to their purchases of Russian oil.
- The American president retains wide margin of maneuver to apply, suspend or adjust these sanctions.
- The text divides part of Congress, with some elected officials fearing an impact on consumers and diplomatic relations.
Graham Act expands sanctions against Moscow
Under the terms of its adoption by both houses of Congress, Donald Trump signed the “ Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 »while the latter plans to take control of Iranian oil. One month after a favorable vote by the Senate by 86 votes for and 11 against, the House of Representatives gave its approval to the text by 262 votes against 159 on September 16.
Since Trump’s return to the White House, this law constitutes the most important text dedicated to Ukraine adopted by Congress. It seeks to drastically reduce the revenues that the Kremlin uses to finance the war in Ukraine.
Of many provisions must consolidate the economic pressure exerted on Moscow:
- Sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs and some members of their families;
- Banks and financial institutions linked to Russian power can be targeted;
- The ships of the “ghost fleet” used to circumvent restrictions become punishable;
- Tariffs of up to 100% may hit some of Russia’s energy partners.
Russian crude oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products, uranium and coal are covered by this system. It also targets foreign actors who facilitate the circumvention of existing sanctions.
Graham Act puts China and India under pressure
This law limits new customs duties to the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas by volume. It may also target the five nations that contribute most to circumventing restrictions on Russia’s energy sector.
The text does not specify any country. It also does not indicate the procedure that Washington will use to establish these two rankings. Thus, China and India nevertheless find themselves at the forefront of exposed states given their significant acquisitions of Russian crude.
The 100% surcharge will therefore not come into effect immediately on all Chinese or Indian goods. Indeed, the American president has a large margin of decision to choose the countries concerned and set the exact level of customs duties.
Therefore, an exception can also protect a nation whose gas acquisitions represent less than 15% of Russian gas exports, provided that it has taken significant measures to reduce them. Finally, the US president can suspend certain sanctions if he believes that a waiver is in the US national interest.
Broad support despite criticism in Congress
This bill bears the name of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11, 2026. Associated with several dozen parliamentarians from the two major parties, the latter presented a first version of the text in April 2025.
Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic senator, think that this device will make it possible to target“Russian leaders, financial institutions, the energy sector and the ghost fleet”. Furthermore, she considers that the countries which continue to finance Russia through their energy acquisitions, especially those in the BRICS alliance, are now exposing themselves to serious consequences.
However, the law divided elected Democratic officials. Thus, fifty-eight of them voted with the Republican majority, while their leader in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, opposed it. He fears that this text gives Trump almost unlimited authority to impose customs duties which could then weigh on American consumers.
Some elected officials also fear tensions with Washington’s strategic partners. Sanctions against India would weaken an essential relationship with China. Also, high duties risk making products imported into the United States more expensive.
Its effectiveness will depend on Donald Trump’s choices
This promulgation does not guarantee automatic and uniform application of sanctions. Their scope will depend on the countries selected by the administration, the level of tariffs and the exemptions granted. Beijing has already denounced extraterritorial jurisdiction that has no basis in international law.
A rapid reduction in Chinese or Indian acquisitions could deprive Russia of part of its outlets. It would also cause a redistribution of oil flows and put upward pressure on world prices if Russian supply decreased.
Furthermore, this text ensures an extension of American provisions against Iran’s energy and military sectors. However, its first real test will come from Russia. Upcoming decisions from the White House will be able to show whether Donald Trump uses this new tool or favors exemptions to limit the effects on prices and diplomatic relations.
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