Trump to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning itself with BRICS

US President Donald Trump said that the US will impose an additional 10% tariff on countries that align themselves with the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS group of developing nations.

Trump fiercely criticised the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—in a scathing remark, blaming them for destabilising the world order and questioning US supremacy on the global front. Trump, who had a reputation for using tough rhetoric, called the group "a coalition of anti-American interests" and issued a warning against their growing economic and geopolitical coordination.

Trump's statements coincide with escalating tensions between the US and various members of the BRICS bloc, particularly as the bloc increases its overtures to other nations and seeks alternative financial frameworks. Although Trump has long been an advocate of an "America First" policy, his recent statements reflect the increasing divergence between Western powers and emerging economies under the rubric of BRICS.

With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive “America First” approach of the US president, BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.

BRICS Summit 2025

At the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, “BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement. With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again.”

BRICS nations now represent more than half the world’s population and 40 percent of its economic output, warning of rising protectionism. More than 30 nations have expressed interest in participating in BRICS, either as full members or partners.

In a joint statement released on Sunday afternoon, the BRICS group warned that the rise in tariffs threatened global trade, continuing its veiled criticism of Trump’s tariff policies.

Trump Warns

Hours later, Trump tweeted he would punish countries seeking to join the grouping.

“Any country aligning itself with the 'Anti-American' policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10 % Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump did not clarify or expand on the “Anti-American policies” reference in his post.

Trump’s administration is seeking to finalise dozens of trade deals with a wide range of countries before his July 9 deadline for the imposition of significant “retaliatory tariffs”. India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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