Hungary’s TISZA party is actively seeking an exemption from the recently enacted U.S. legislation imposing tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas. The initiative comes in response to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, signed by President Donald Trump on September 18, which authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy resources.
During meetings with Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Márton Hajdú, chairman of Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Committee, advocated for Hungary’s case. Hajdú emphasized the country’s need for support from the United States to diversify its energy sources, as Hungary remains heavily reliant on Russian energy imports, including approximately 5 million tonnes of crude oil and 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
The TISZA party’s request for an exemption underscores the potential strain the new U.S. measures could place on Hungary’s energy supply. The party has expressed plans to implement strategies aimed at reducing Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy while simultaneously negotiating for relief from the impending tariffs.
As the new U.S. sanctions law is implemented, the question of which nations will receive tariff exemptions is likely to become a pivotal issue in Hungary-U.S. relations. The legislation’s rollout will determine the extent of the economic impact on countries like Hungary that are significant buyers of Russian energy.