Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs during the group’s high-level summit held in Brazil this week. The gathering brought together leaders from several major developing nations. However, tensions rose sharply following Trump’s warning about so-called “anti-American policies.”
Speaking through a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that the U.S. would impose an additional 10% tariff. This new tariff would apply to any country that aligns itself with BRICS. He did not define what “anti-American policies” meant in the context of his warning.
The BRICS summit opened Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were joined by newer members. These included Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. Together, BRICS now represents over half of the world’s population.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva compared BRICS to the Cold War’s non-aligned movement. He emphasized that the group provides a platform for multipolar diplomacy. He also warned that rising protectionism threatens global trade and cooperation.
Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs just as the group plans to launch a new investment guarantee fund. This fund, backed by the New Development Bank, aims to lower financing costs and boost infrastructure development.
Moreover, the BRICS statement criticized rising tariffs worldwide and called for reform of global institutions like the UN Security Council. Leaders expressed concern over Middle East conflicts, voiced support for Palestine, and condemned violence in Kashmir.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to finalize dozens of trade deals. He has set a July 9 deadline for retaliatory tariffs. That pressure has complicated diplomatic efforts and economic planning across multiple regions.
Some BRICS leaders, such as South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, called for structural reforms to international governance. They argued that the current global system no longer reflects today’s political realities.
Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs at a time when global alliances are shifting. As emerging powers seek more influence, the U.S. approach may further challenge multilateral diplomacy.
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