Hungary Asks U.S. to Waive Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases

Hungary has requested U.S. officials not to impose tariffs on the country following its oil purchases from Russia, marking a potential test for the new prime minister who won a significant victory over Viktor Orban's pro-Russian policies. U.S. lawmakers recently enacted the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which grants the president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that import substantial amounts of Russian oil and natural gas.

The law permits the president to raise the duty rate to 100% ad valorem on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas after the bill's enactment. Hungary, one of the top importers of Russian crude oil, along with China, India, and Turkey, may become a target for potential tariffs under the new U.S. legislation.

Hungary, under the previous Orban government, maintained close relations with Russia and continued to import oil from Russia even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who succeeded Orban, has expressed a commitment to diversify energy imports and reject the pro-Russia policy of the past. Marton Hajdu, chair of Hungary's Foreign Policy Committee and part of Magyar's ruling party, met with U.S. officials in Washington and requested that they help Hungary decrease its dependence on Russian energy and secure multiple energy sources.

Hajdu also urged the U.S. officials not to impose tariffs during Hungary's transition away from Russian energy imports. "We are constructing Hungarian-American relations based on enduring interests and shared values, which transcend electoral cycles," stated the Hungarian official.