U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new warning to countries aligning themselves with BRICS, declaring they would face an additional 10% tariff on goods entering the United States. The announcement, made on his Truth Social platform Sunday night, adds fuel to mounting global trade tensions ahead of the expiration of a 90-day pause on tariff hikes under his administration’s trade policy.
“Any Country aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff,” Trump wrote. “There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
The warning coincides with the United States preparing to send out tariff letters to dozens of countries starting Monday. The letters come just before the tariff pause ends on Wednesday, potentially reshaping trade dynamics with major U.S. partners.
BRICS — a geopolitical bloc made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — held a high-level summit over the weekend. Leaders at the gathering criticized U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and pressed for a ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. They emphasized their commitment to finding “just and lasting” resolutions to conflict in the Middle East.
Although Trump did not specify which BRICS policies he considers “Anti-American,” his administration has consistently taken issue with the group’s move toward de-dollarization and the establishment of an alternative global financial system. Trump has previously floated the idea of imposing 100% tariffs on nations that abandon the U.S. dollar in trade.
On Sunday, BRICS leaders reaffirmed their interest in developing a cross-border payment system that would reduce reliance on Western financial infrastructure. While the project has seen slow progress since its inception over a decade ago, momentum appears to be growing as members seek more autonomy in global finance.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for BRICS to lead reforms in global governance and promote peaceful conflict resolution. “Today’s world is more turbulent, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise,” Li said. “China is willing to work with BRICS countries to promote global governance in a more just, reasonable, efficient and orderly direction.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on Trump’s latest statement.
With the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifying, Trump’s stance may appeal to his base of economic nationalists but is likely to unsettle global markets and increase diplomatic strain with BRICS nations, some of whom are critical U.S. trading partners.
