Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligning with BRICS Bloc

U.S. President escalates economic pressure as BRICS expansion tests global order

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to countries aligning with the BRICS bloc, threatening to impose an additional 10% tariff on those adopting what he labeled “anti-American policies.”

“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 on social media Sunday.

The announcement comes ahead of the July 9 deadline for nations to finalize tariff agreements with the U.S., with the new penalties set to take effect on August 1.

BRICS Seeks Stability Amid Rising Tensions

As BRICS holds its latest summit in Brazil, member nations are treading cautiously amid Trump’s renewed economic nationalism. Analysts say Brazil is working to avoid drawing Washington’s ire, especially given President Trump’s return to the White House and the potential economic fallout of any confrontation.

At the opening of the summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the breakdown of global cooperation:

“We are witnessing the unparalleled collapse of multilateralism… If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to contribute to its renovation.”

Priorities Shift as Key Leaders Absent

Neither China’s Xi Jinping nor Russia’s Vladimir Putin is attending the summit. Putin, still facing an international arrest warrant over the Ukraine war, is participating via videoconference.

With controversial issues sidelined, the summit is focusing on climate change, artificial intelligence, and global health—topics Lula has prioritized to position Brazil as a key voice in global governance.

Lula also aims to use the forum to build momentum ahead of COP30, the UN climate summit scheduled for November in Belem, Amazon.

BRICS Rapid Expansion Poses New Challenges

Founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has rapidly grown. Last year, it welcomed Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, while also creating a “strategic partner” status for Belarus, Cuba, Vietnam, and others.

That expansion, while increasing influence, has raised concerns over internal unity. Analysts note that governance and cohesion are topping the agenda this year, as the bloc tries to avoid fragmentation.

“The summit offers the best opportunity for emerging countries to respond, in the sense of seeking alternatives and diversifying their economic partnerships,” said Bruce Scheidl, researcher at the University of São Paulo’s BRICS Study Group

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Background: Tariffs and Global Shifts

Tensions between BRICS and the U.S. flared last year after the Kremlin pushed for alternative payment systems to evade Western sanctions. Trump has warned that any attempt to undermine the U.S. dollar could trigger a 100% tariff response.

Trump’s latest tariff threats, aimed at deterring deeper alignment with BRICS, are seen by many as an effort to preserve American economic dominance as global alliances shift.

For Lula, hosting the summit also offers political relief, providing a high-profile international platform amid sliding approval ratings and congressional gridlock at home.

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