US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to countries aligning with the BRICS alliance, announcing an additional 10% tariff on those pursuing what he calls “anti-American policies.”
The move comes as leaders from the now 11-member BRICS bloc—spanning China, Russia, India, Brazil, and new entrants such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE—wrapped up a tense summit in Rio de Janeiro, which included scathing criticism of Trump’s expanding trade war.
“He’s closely monitoring it,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirming Trump’s direct involvement. “He does not perceive these countries as growing stronger. He perceives them as trying to undermine US interests. And that’s not okay with him.”
In a post on social media, Trump declared:
“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.”
This latest round of tariffs adds to the US president’s aggressive trade campaign, which already includes steep levies of up to 50% on dozens of countries. The White House has set a 1 August deadline for nations to strike bilateral deals or face new rates, replacing the original 9 July cutoff.
The final day of the BRICS summit was marked by political fireworks as Trump’s statement overshadowed the bloc’s attempts to project unity and cooperation. While China, Russia and South Africa offered restrained responses, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva lashed out.
“We are sovereign nations,” Lula said. “We don’t want an emperor.”
Trump’s renewed threats followed a BRICS finance ministers’ statement that condemned US tariffs for creating “uncertainty in global trade” and undermining the world economy.
Some members of BRICS, including Saudi Arabia and India, have attempted to walk a diplomatic tightrope. Saudi Arabia avoided directly criticising the US and even kept its foreign minister from Sunday’s talks and the BRICS group photo. Despite this, Trump remained unmoved.
“There will be no exceptions,” Trump reiterated over the weekend, adding that letters will be sent to at least 15 countries detailing new tariff rates unless agreements are reached.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that “a lot of new offers” had landed in his inbox in recent days, indicating a scramble among nations to renegotiate terms.
So far, only a handful of countries have finalised trade deals with Washington. These include:
- UK: A deal to slash tariffs on UK cars and aerospace goods.
- Vietnam: A 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods entering the US, but zero tariffs on American exports.
- China: A partial agreement reducing tariffs on both sides and halting mineral export restrictions.
However, tensions remain high. Talks with Japan and the EU have stalled, with Trump warning Tokyo could face tariffs of up to 35%. The European Union is seeking to maintain a 10% tax on goods and lower its 25–50% duties on steel, cars, and parts.
This year’s BRICS gathering was notably weakened by the absence of two key leaders: China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Xi skipped the summit for the first time in over a decade, while Putin—wanted by the International Criminal Court—joined only via video.
Still, Putin declared BRICS a major player in global governance and urged members to stay united.
China’s foreign ministry responded to Trump’s tariff threats with calm rhetoric. “Trade and tariff wars have no winners,” said spokeswoman Mao Ning. “BRICS is not targeted at any country.”
The Kremlin echoed those sentiments, insisting that BRICS cooperation is never directed “against third countries.”
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