January 12, 2026
Trump imposes 25% tariff on Iran trading partners
Vague tariff order creates uncertainty for China, India, Turkey trade
🌍Foreign Policy💰Economy🏛️Government
President 
Donald Trump announced on Jan. 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, Jan. 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 Jan. 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 Aug. 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
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
What tariff rate did Trump impose on countries trading with Iran?
Q2
On what date did President Trump announce 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran?
Q3
What phrase did Trump use to describe when the Iran tariffs would take effect?
Q4
How much did China import from Iran in goods as of 2022?
Q5
What was the total value of UAE goods trade with Iran in 2022?
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Start QuizPeople, bills, and sources
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Scott Bessent
Treasury Secretary
Mike Crapo
Senate Finance Committee Chair (R-ID)
Jason Smith
House Ways and Means Committee Chair (R-MO)
Mao Ning
China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Suzanne Clark
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President
Rand Paul
U.S. Senator (R-KY)
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.
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.
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.