Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Goods from Countries Doing Business with Iran

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced the introduction of 25% tariffs on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran. The announcement was made via his social media platform Truth Social.

According to CNN, the move intensifies pressure on the Iranian government amid ongoing mass protests in the country.

“Effective today, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25% tariff on any business conducted with the United States. This order is final and not subject to appeal,” Trump wrote. He did not provide further details, leaving unclear what precisely constitutes “doing business” with Iran or whether the new tariffs will be applied in addition to existing duties, CNN and The Washington Post report.

The announcement came amid Trump’s speculation about potential U.S. military intervention to “rescue” protesters in Iran. The mass demonstrations have entered their third week. According to the U.S.-based human rights organization Human Rights Activist New Agency (HRANA), as of January 12, 646 protesters and 133 members of Iranian security forces have been killed, and more than 10,000 people detained. Internet access in the country has been almost completely cut off in recent days, leaving the exact number of casualties uncertain.

CNN notes that the new tariff could raise duties on Chinese goods from 20% to 45%. Beijing has condemned Washington’s actions. “China’s position on tariffs is very clear: there are no winners in a trade war, and China will firmly protect its lawful rights and interests,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

According to Chinese authorities, during the first 11 months of 2025, China exported US$6.2 billion worth of goods to Iran and imported US$2.85 billion. These figures do not include oil shipments, which China does not publicly disclose. Analysts estimate that in recent years China has purchased over 90% of Iran’s oil through intermediaries. Besides China, Iran’s largest trading partners remain India, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

Iran ranks 17th among Uzbekistan’s trading partners, accounting for 0.7% of the country’s total foreign trade turnover. In the first 11 months of 2025, trade with Tehran increased by 16.2%, from US$446.6 million to US$519.2 million. Uzbek exports to Iran totaled US$140.1 million, down 6.1% compared to the same period last year, representing 0.66% of Uzbekistan’s total exports excluding gold.

The United States ranks 13th among Uzbekistan’s foreign trade partners. In the first 11 months of 2025, trade with the U.S. grew by 10.7% to US$871.9 million, while Uzbek exports to America declined from US$293.5 million to US$215.8 million.