“Protected” by sanctions and minimal trade: the Russian Federation, along with countries like Belarus, North Korea, and Cuba, is not included in the list of 185 countries or territories (almost the entire world) whose exports to the United States will be subject to tariffs under Donald Trump. This omission stands out, especially when juxtaposed with the inclusion of Ukraine on the list.
For Ukraine, which was previously exempt from tariffs under the Biden administration, being added to the list with new 10% tariffs on exports to the U.S. is a significant symbolic blow. This comes at a time when the Trump administration is pressuring Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a document that would give the U.S. exclusive control over the future exploitation of Ukrainian resources, with the aim of reimbursing all the aid provided since the invasion.
Now, according to Daniil Ghetmanzev, head of the Tax Commission in the Verkhovna Rada, the new U.S. tariffs won’t have a significant direct impact on Ukraine, as Ukrainian exports to the U.S. amounted to just $0.9 billion in 2024 (a similar volume to Russia’s). However, Ghetmanzev argues that Ukraine’s inclusion reflects “the worst kind of cynicism,” given the overwhelming dominance of Washington in the bilateral trade, where Ukraine faces a $2.6 billion deficit. Additionally, the Ukrainian politician points out the negative indirect impact on Ukraine due to the anticipated slowdown in trade and aid with European partners: "They will be forced to adopt protectionist measures as well, not just on American goods. And this will be a significant blow for us."
Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister for Economy, hopes for the possibility of negotiating more favorable terms with the U.S. "Our tariffs on American products are really low: the tariffs on cars are 10%, and on coal and oil, they are zero," Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook. Ukraine, which relies on steel production as its second-largest source of income after agriculture, is particularly affected by the 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in March on steel and aluminum products.
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