Key facts
- Hungary has asked U.S. officials to waive tariffs on its Russian oil purchases.
- The U.S. recently passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026."
- The new U.S. law allows for tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas.
- Hungary is a major importer of Russian crude oil.
- Hungarian official Marton Hajdu requested U.S. lawmakers help Hungary reduce its reliance on Russian energy.
- Hajdu also asked U.S. officials not to impose tariffs during Hungary's transition away from Russian energy imports.
Hungary is seeking a waiver from potential U.S. tariffs on its Russian oil imports, a move that could test relations under the country's new leadership. U.S. lawmakers recently passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which empowers the President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are significant importers of Russian oil and natural gas and make new purchases after the law's enactment. Hungary, a notable importer of Russian crude oil, is among the nations that could face these tariffs.
Under former leader Viktor Orban, Hungary maintained close ties with Russia and continued oil purchases even after the invasion of Ukraine. The current Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has vowed to diversify the country's energy imports and shift away from pro-Russia policies. Marton Hajdu, chair of Hungary's Parliament Foreign Policy Committee and a member of Magyar's ruling party, recently met with U.S. officials in Washington. He requested assistance in reducing Hungary's reliance on Russian energy and asked that the U.S. refrain from imposing tariffs during Hungary's transition period.