Trump Excludes Russia, Belarus, North Korea from Tariffs Amid Trade Policy Shift

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant expansion of tariffs on imported goods, branding the day as 'Liberation Day.' A blanket 10% tariff will apply to most imported goods, with additional duties imposed on items from 60 countries, notably including 34% on imports from China. However, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea were exempted from these new tariffs due to existing sanctions that already restrict trade with them, as explained by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Critics have pointed out the exclusion of Russia, suggesting it reflects Trump's longstanding ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House clarified that the economic sanctions already imposed on Russia effectively eliminate any meaningful trade, rendering new tariffs unnecessary. This tariff announcement marks one of the most expansive trade policies undertaken by the U.S. in recent history.