Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Countries Doing Business with Iran
Overview of the Tariffs
On January 12, 2026, President Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on goods imported from all countries that conduct business with Iran. This sweeping measure aims to exert additional pressure on the Iranian government in the context of widespread anti-regime protests occurring within the country. Trump communicated the decision via Truth Social, specifying that the tariffs would apply to “any and all business being dstart with the United States of America” and would take effect immediately.
Impact on Trading Partners
While specific countries affected by these tariffs have not been disclosed, the potential economic repercussions are significant, particularly concerning Iran’s trade relationships with major partners such as China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2022, China emerged as the largest purchaser of Iranian goods, importing approximately $22.4 billion, despite existing U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s petroleum exports. Notably, China has been known to covertly import Iranian oil.
The United States is also economically tied to China, which ranked as the third-largest trading partner for American goods, with transactions valued at around $438.9 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, Iran’s interactions with the UAE, a vital U.S. ally in the Gulf, accounted for about $18 billion in imports.
Context of the Protests in Iran
The introduction of these tariffs coincides with ongoing protests in Iran, which represent the country’s most significant civil unrest in recent years. The demonstrations, which have been reportedly fueled by a faltering economy, have resulted in over 500 fatalities, as per data from the Human Rights Activists News Agency. In light of these events, President Trump has expressed a willingness to intervene if the Iranian regime escalates its crackdown on demonstrators. According to a senior U.S. official, the military is evaluating a range of options, including potential military strikes.
Conclusion
The newly enacted tariffs signify a strategic effort by the Trump administration to isolate Iran further from the global economy amidst severe internal strife. The response from impacted countries, particularly key trading partners like China and the UAE, remains to be seen as the implications of this policy unfold in the coming days.