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When former President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on steel and
aluminum imports in 2018, the move sent shockwaves through global trade. The
policy, justified on national security grounds under Section 232 of the Trade
Expansion Act of 1962, targeted major exporters like China, Canada, the European
Union, and Mexico. However, one notable country was conspicuously absent from
the list of nations facing heavy tariffs: Russia.
Despite being one of the world’s largest steel and aluminum producers—and a
geopolitical rival of the United States—Russia escaped the brunt of Trump’s trade
restrictions. This omission raises critical questions: Why was Russia spared? Was it
an oversight, a strategic calculation, or a result of behind-the-scenes diplomacy?
This article examines:
The context of Trump’s tariffs and their intended targets
Russia’s role in global steel and aluminum markets
Possible reasons for Russia’s exemption
The geopolitical and economic implications
How this decision fits into Trump’s broader Russia policy
1. Trump’s Tariffs: A Recap
In March 2018, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports and
a 10% tariff on aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. The rationale
was that reliance on foreign metals weakened U.S. industrial capacity, particularly
for defense manufacturing.
Key targets included:
China (the primary focus due to alleged dumping and overproduction)
Canada, Mexico, and the EU (initially hit before temporary exemptions)
Japan and South Korea (later negotiated partial relief)
Yet, Russia—a top-five global steel exporter—was left off the initial tariff list,
despite its adversarial relationship with the U.S.
2. Russia’s Steel and Aluminum Industry
Russia is a major player in global metal markets:
Steel: Ranked 5th globally in production (approx. 71 million metric tons in 2022).
Aluminum: Home to Rusal, the world’s second-largest aluminum company.
Much of Russia’s metal exports flow to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but the
U.S. was still a notable market before 2018.
Why Russia Should Have Been a Target
Geopolitical tensions: U.S.-Russia relations were strained over election interference,
Ukraine, and Syria.
Dumping concerns: Russian firms, like many Chinese producers, were accused of
selling metals below market rates.
National security argument: If the U.S. was limiting reliance on allies like Canada,
why not Russia?
3. Why Was Russia Spared?
Several theories explain Russia’s exemption:
A. Fear of Retaliation
Russia could have retaliated by cutting titanium exports (critical for Boeing and
U.S. aerospace). The U.S. relies on Russia’s VSMPO-AVISMA for nearly 35% of its
titanium.
B. Lobbying by U.S. Companies
Rusal’s U.S. partners, including Kentucky-based Braidy Industries, lobbied against
tariffs.
Some U.S. manufacturers depended on Russian aluminum for specialized alloys.
C. Trump’s Personal Stance on Russia
Trump repeatedly expressed admiration for Putin and sought better relations,
despite bipartisan criticism. Avoiding tariffs may have been part of this outreach.
D. Legal & Trade Complications
Unlike China, Russia was not accused of illegal subsidies in metals. The Commerce
Department may have lacked sufficient legal grounds.
4. Geopolitical & Economic Consequences
A. Boost to Russian Industry
Without U.S. tariffs, Russian metals found other markets, particularly China and
Turkey.
B. Missed Opportunity to Pressure Moscow
Tariffs could have been another economic lever amid sanctions over Ukraine and
election meddling.
C. Mixed Impact on U.S. Industry
Some U.S. metal producers complained about unfair competition, while aerospace
firms benefited from continued titanium imports.
5. Trump’s Broader Russia Policy
The tariff exemption fits a pattern of Trump’s softer approach to Russia:
Resisting tougher sanctions (e.g., delayed implementation of the CAATSA Act).
Downplaying election interference.
Praising Putin while criticizing NATO allies.
Critics argue this was a strategic error; supporters claim it prevented further
escalation.
A Calculated Omission?
Russia’s absence from Trump’s tariff list was likely a mix of economic pragmatism,
corporate lobbying, and geopolitical maneuvering. Whether this was a missed
opportunity or a necessary compromise remains debated.
As the U.S. reevaluates its trade policies under Biden (who has maintained some
Trump-era tariffs but tightened sanctions on Russia), the question lingers: Should
the U.S. have targeted Russia’s metal exports sooner?
One thing is clear: In the high-stakes game of global trade, not every adversary gets
treated equally.
