Trump imposes 10% tariff on pro-BRICS nations.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10 percent tariff on all nations supporting what he described as BRICS’ “anti-American policies.” The declaration comes amid the ongoing BRICS summit currently being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Trump, addressing supporters at a campaign event, criticized the bloc’s growing alignment against U.S. interests and warned of economic consequences for countries that back such efforts. The BRICS summit, attended by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several invited nations, is focusing on expanding influence and promoting a multipolar global order. Trump’s tariff threat signals heightened tensions between Washington and emerging global coalitions.
Washington, July 7 — In a bold move that has sent ripples through the global diplomatic and economic communities, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new trade policy that targets countries he claims are siding with BRICS’ “anti-American policies.” According to a formal declaration posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump revealed that an additional 10 percent tariff would be levied on any country aligning with BRICS positions deemed antagonistic to U.S. interests.
“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Trump wrote in capitalized emphasis.
This development coincides with the ongoing BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where leaders from an expanded bloc—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—are meeting to chart a roadmap for deeper economic integration and strategic coordination among developing nations. The timing of Trump’s announcement appears calculated to directly challenge the agenda of the summit.
BRICS Pushback
At the summit, BRICS leaders collectively expressed “grave concern” over what they termed the “indiscriminate rise in tariffs”, a clear allusion to U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration. In a joint statement, they said:
The statement went further, accusing developed countries—without naming the U.S.
global trade, disrupt global supply chains.”
Trump’s Justification
In a follow-up post, Trump doubled down on his administration’s commitment to penalize nations perceived as hostile to American economic interests. He announced that formal tariff notification letters would be dispatched starting 12:00 P.M. (Eastern), Monday, July 7th.
(Eastern), Monday, July 7th,” he posted.
White House officials later confirmed that the notifications would include a list of countries identified as “in alignment with BRICS policy objectives that undermine fair trade and U.S. sovereignty.”
Reactions and Global Implications
The move is likely to have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences. Experts say that by issuing a blanket policy that targets a broad swathe of nations—many of whom are already trade partners of the U.S.—Trump may be pushing the global economy toward further fragmentation.
“The announcement signals a new phase of global trade friction,” said Maria Linarez, senior fellow at the Global Economic Forum. “This tariff move is less about trade balances and more about drawing ideological and economic battle lines.”
Trade analysts are particularly concerned about the inclusion of new BRICS+ members like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, all of which have robust trade and investment links with the U.S. “If implemented indiscriminately, this tariff could hurt American businesses just as much as it targets foreign exporters,” Linarez added.
BRICS’ Growing Influence
The BRICS bloc has, in recent years, positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions, advocating for a multipolar world order and reform of global governance frameworks. With its recent expansion to include key players from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, BRICS now represents over 45% of the world’s population and nearly 30% of global GDP.
The group has also launched initiatives such as:
- Strengthening of the New Development Bank (NDB) to fund infrastructure and sustainability projects.
- Greater coordination on digital infrastructure, energy policy, and artificial intelligence.
Against this backdrop, Trump’s rhetoric marks an escalation in U.S.-BRICS tensions, aligning with his broader “America First” agenda.
Domestic Political Angle
Trump’s move may also be aimed at shoring up support among key domestic constituencies. With the 2024 presidential elections approaching, Trump has been sharpening his nationalist economic message. At a recent rally in Ohio, he warned that “globalist coalitions are trying to take down the American worker” and promised “decisive action against those who stand with our enemies.”
His new tariff announcement plays well with segments of the American electorate that remain deeply skeptical of globalization, particularly in Rust Belt states where job losses have often been blamed on foreign trade deals.
Pushback from U.S. Allies
Privately, several U.S. allies have expressed concern over the announcement, especially those who have participated in BRICS dialogues without fully committing to its agenda.
“This kind of sweeping measure risks alienating key partners at a time when global cooperation is needed more than ever—be it on climate, supply chains, or AI.”
Even some within the U.S. Congress have signaled discomfort. Senator Lisa Collins (R-ME) said, “We should be focusing on strategic engagement, not blanket punishments.”
Looking Ahead
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on how BRICS will respond formally to Trump’s tariff threat. The group is expected to issue a revised economic declaration by the end of the summit, possibly outlining countermeasures or calling for WTO arbitration.
The next few weeks could prove critical for the future of multilateral trade relations, especially as the BRICS bloc continues to expand its economic footprint and as the United States redefines its role on the global stage.
For now, one thing is clear: the global economic landscape is shifting, and Trump’s latest move may accelerate the push toward competing economic blocs and further divide the international trade order.