Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Answers Reporters’ Questions on the U.S. Side Signing the Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into Law
商务部新闻发言人就美方将《2026年格雷厄姆制裁俄罗斯和伊朗法案》签署成法答记者问
Source: Ministry of Commerce News Office Type: Original Category: News 2026-09-19 19:25 Question: On September 18, U.S. Eastern Time, the U.S. side signed the Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.
Trade & market accessEU industry & firmsInvestors & capital marketsAdverseMaterialRepeatable instrument
The mechanism
The U.S. law permits secondary tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil or gas. If Washington applies that authority to China, European manufacturers using Chinese production bases to serve the U.S. market could face sharply higher border costs on China-origin goods. China has not announced a response, but its reservation of countermeasures raises the prospect that EU firms operating in China become exposed to a wider U.S.-China trade dispute.
The stakes
The statute puts energy sourcing at the centre of a potentially broader trade rupture, extending sanctions risk beyond directly targeted Russian transactions. That matters far less if Washington leaves the tariff authority unused or confines it to narrowly defined products and importers.
How it reaches Europe
- U.S. enacts sanctions lawThe law expressly permits tariffs of up to 100% on third countries importing Russian oil or gas.
- China becomes a possible targetThe source says commentators identify China as a prospective taxation target.
- China signals possible countermeasuresThe commerce ministry reserves the right to protect Chinese enterprises' lawful interests.
- U.S.-China trade risk risesThis follows if Washington uses the authority against China and Beijing retaliates.
- EU China-based exporters face costsEuropean firms selling China-made goods into the U.S. would be exposed if tariffs cover those imports.