PRINCIPLE

January 12, 2026

Trump imposes 25% tariff on Iran trading partners

Vague tariff order creates uncertainty for China, India, Turkey trade

President Trump announced on January 12, 2026, that any country doing business with Iran will immediately face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States. Trump stated the tariffs "just went into effect" on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This sweeping measure could impact major economies including China, India, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. China—Iran's largest trading partner—exported $6.2 billion to Iran and imported $2.85 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, and analysts estimate China accounts for over 90% of Iran's oil trade. The announcement came as Trump urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations, promising "help is on its way" after the death toll exceeded 2,400. The White House didn't immediately provide details on implementation or define what constitutes "doing business" with Iran. Over 100 countries trade with Iran to varying degrees, creating potential for massive disruption to global commerce.

President Donald TrumpDonald Trump announced on January 12, 2026, that any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will face a 25% tariff on "any and all business being done with the United States of America." Trump stated the tariffs were "effective immediately" and confirmed on Tuesday, January 13, that they "just went into effect."

The tariff applies to dozens of countries, including major U.S. trading partners. China is Iran's largest trading partner, exporting $6.2 billion worth of goods to Iran and importing $2.85 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. Analysts estimate China accounts for over 90% of Iran's oil trade, making it the most significantly affected nation.

Other major Iran trading partners facing the 25% tariff include India, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. This could mean higher prices for American importers of products from these nations and potential retaliatory tariffs that would escalate into broader trade conflicts.

The White House did not immediately provide details on how the tariff will be implemented or define what activities constitute "doing business" with Iran. Questions remain about whether the tariff applies to all trade volume from affected countries or only to specific transactions tied to Iranian commerce, and whether it stacks on existing tariffs.

Trump's tariff announcement came amid escalating tensions with Iran over the government's violent crackdown on anti-government protests. On January 13, Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting, posting "HELP IS ON ITS WAY" and warning Iran against executing protesters, as the death toll exceeded 2,400.

The tariff represents one of the broadest unilateral trade restrictions in modern U.S. history, potentially disrupting hundreds of billions of dollars in annual trade flows. Legal and economic experts questioned whether the president has authority to impose such sweeping tariffs without congressional approval or clear national security justification.

Previous Trump administration trade policies included imposing tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. In August 2025, India faced a minimum 50% tariff for buying Russian oil. If Trump's Iran tariffs are enforced similarly, countries like India could face cumulative tariffs of 75% or higher on goods entering the United States.

🌍Foreign Policy💰Economy🏛️Government

People, bills, and sources

What You Can Do

1

civic action

Contact Senate Finance Committee to demand clear legal framework for tariffs

The Senate Finance Committee has constitutional authority over trade policy and can hold oversight hearings on executive tariff actions. Chair Crapo already said he's seeking clarity.

www.finance.senate.gov

Hi, I'm calling to support Chairman Crapo's request for clarity on Trump's Iran tariff order and demand congressional oversight.

Key points to mention:

  • Trump announced 25% tariffs on countries 'doing business with Iran' with no definition
  • Order targets China ($575B U.S. trade), India ($146B), Turkey, UAE, Brazil
  • Treasury Secretary has 'no additional details' on implementation
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce says businesses 'can't comply with rules that haven't been written'

Questions to ask:

  • Will the committee hold hearings on the legal authority for these tariffs?
  • What is the committee doing to require clear implementation rules?
  • Will the committee consider legislation requiring congressional approval for major tariffs?

Specific request: I want oversight hearings and legislation requiring clear legal framework before tariffs affecting hundreds of billions in trade take effect.

Thank you.

2

civic action

Contact House Ways and Means Committee to support Chairman Smith's concerns

The House Ways and Means Committee originates all revenue legislation and can restrict presidential tariff authority through legislation.

waysandmeans.house.gov

Hi, I'm calling to support Chairman Smith's statement that 'undefined trade policy creates uncertainty that harms American businesses and consumers.'

Key points to mention:

  • Trump's tariff order has no definition of what triggers the 25% tariff
  • Importers need 60-90 days notice to adjust supply chains and file customs paperwork
  • Business groups say companies 'can't comply with rules that haven't been written'
  • Order potentially affects $854 billion in U.S. trade

Questions to ask:

  • Will the committee hold hearings on this tariff order?
  • What legislative action can prevent future undefined tariff policies?

Specific request: I want the committee to hold hearings and consider legislation requiring clear definitions and implementation timelines for tariffs.

Thank you.