Montana Delegation Urges Trump to Impose 50% Tariff on Russian Palladium After Swift Action on Coal Mining

HELENA, MT — Montana’s congressional delegation is urging President Trump to impose a 50% tariff on Russian palladium imports, hoping the administration will act as swiftly on the critical mineral crisis as it did on the state’s coal mining expansion just weeks ago.

Senator Tim Sheehy led the bipartisan letter to Trump on Wednesday, joined by Senator Steve Daines and Representatives Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke. The delegation called for immediate action to protect Montana’s Sibanye-Stillwater operations, the nation’s only primary source of palladium and platinum.

“Russia currently dominates global palladium production and has exploited this position to undercut American producers,” the delegation wrote. “The result has been catastrophic for Montana workers. Prices have collapsed by more than half, leading to steep production cuts, hundreds of high-paying mining jobs lost, and the real threat of total mine closure.”

The letter comes as Sheehy toured the Sibanye-Stillwater metallurgical complex, where Russian market manipulation has devastated the domestic palladium industry. Russia has flooded the U.S. market with underpriced palladium supported by state subsidies, lax environmental regulations, and government-controlled mining rights.

Sibanye-Stillwater and the United Steelworkers union filed formal trade petitions against Russian palladium imports on July 30, alleging dumping and subsidization through the German company BASF. However, any final remedy from that trade case won’t occur for 13 months.

“While this case could offer just the remedy these operations need for long-term sustainability, it does not solve the need for immediate tariffs on Russian palladium,” the delegation wrote.

The Montana lawmakers emphasized the national security implications of dependence on Russian-controlled palladium, which is critical to defense and energy sectors.

“America cannot afford to become dependent on Russian-controlled palladium, especially at a time of growing global instability,” they stated. “If we act now, we can save what remains of our domestic industry, bring back hundreds of high-paying mining jobs, and re-establish a strong supply chain in America.”

The delegation’s request follows the Trump administration’s swift action on Montana mining issues. Just three weeks ago, the Department of the Interior approved a major expansion of the Rosebud Mine in southeastern Montana, extending operations through 2039 and protecting more than 300 coal industry jobs.

That approval came after Montana’s entire congressional delegation introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution targeting federal coal leasing restrictions that threatened mining operations. The administration’s quick response delivered on the policy reversal the delegation had pushed for.

“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Burgum, we are unleashing the power of American-made energy right here in Montana,” Governor Greg Gianforte said at the time.

The palladium tariff request represents another test of the administration’s commitment to domestic mineral production. The delegation argued that a 50% tariff would be “a bold, America First action to level the playing field, stop unfair foreign competition, and restore U.S. production.”

“It would send a clear message: the days of hostile foreign regimes exploiting our markets and killing our jobs are over,” they wrote.

The letter was also sent to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, signaling the delegation’s push for coordinated action across multiple agencies.

Sibanye-Stillwater’s operations support thousands of American workers and entire communities in Montana, producing metals critical to national defense and energy infrastructure. The company’s facility powers both domestic industrial needs and serves as a strategic mineral reserve during global instability.

“We stand ready to support you in this fight,” the delegation concluded in their letter to Trump.