- The order also waives a 500% duty on Russian goods and some sanctions on Russia.
- The waivers are open-ended; officials will keep monitoring buyers of Russian energy.
- India is spared an immediate tariff shock, but the US kept the power to act later.
On 16 October 2026 (US time), President Donald Trump signed an executive order putting the Graham Act into effect and, in the same order, waiving its tariffs, including the up-to-100% duty on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas that could have applied from 18 October. He certified to Congress that the waiver serves the US national interest. The waivers have no end date and last until officials decide 'further action is appropriate'. US lawmakers from both parties had urged full enforcement. The order came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio headed to India.
Indian exporters avoid an extra duty of up to 100% on their US sales for now, but the US kept the power to revive it while it monitors Russian energy purchases.
Claim by claim
The waiver removes the immediate threat of 100% tariffs but can be reversed.
The order says the waivers stay until officials determine 'further action is appropriate' and directs the USTR to keep monitoring; The Economic Times notes future action remains possible.
The White House · The Economic TimesThe order also waives the law's 500% tariff on Russian goods.
The White House order sets a 500% duty subject to waivers, and CBS News reports that duty was waived too.
The White House · CBS NewsWhat each side says
Trump certified to Congress that 'the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States'. CBS News reported he is seeking to ease energy prices, which stayed high after the Iran war.
The White House · CBS NewsCongressmen Michael McCaul and Jim Costa had urged that any waiver be 'narrow, time-limited, and tied to measurable reductions in support for Russia's war'. A bipartisan group of senators had called earlier diesel waivers a 'betrayal of the people of Ukraine'.
CBS News · IANSAfter the bill passed, the MEA had said India 'will continue' to ensure energy security 'through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics'.
ScrollStep by step
White House posts the executive order implementing and waiving the Graham Act tariffs.
Not yet known
- ?What would lead the US to lift the waiver and apply the tariffs.
Sources
5 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.
- The White HouseImplementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- CBS NewsTrump waives tariffs on largest buyers of Russian oil, days before Lindsey Graham-backed law was set to take effect
- ScrollTrump waives law allowing 100% tariffs on India, four others for buying Russian oil
- The Economic TimesTrump's waiver of Graham law curbs comes as a relief to India, other Russian energy buyers
- IANSTrump waives Russia oil tariffs under Graham Act, bringing relief to India
Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.