BRICS Pushes Back against US Policies, Trump Threatens Bloc with 10% Tariff
The US President, Donald Trump, issued a warning to countries aligned with what he called “Anti-American policies” of the BRICS group, threatening them with a 10% tariff.
His remarks followed a joint declaration for BRICS leaders, condemning the increase of tariffs and other policies, in what seemed as a criticism directed at Trump, although it did not mention him or the US.
Implicit Criticism of US Policies
Under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” Brazil is hosting the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7, 2025.
In their joint declaration, the group’s leaders voiced concern over the rise of tariffs and criticized unilateral economic sanctions, in what appeared to be an indirect criticism of the US policies under Trump.
“The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives, threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities and affecting prospects for global economic development,” the statement said.
“We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with (World Trade Organization) WTO rules,” the BRICS leaders noted, reiterating support for the “rules-based, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory, consensus-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.”
The BRICS statement also slammed unilateral economic sanctions, calling them “unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.”
A Threat to BRICS
Early on Monday, Trump threatened countries that side with the policies of BRICS with an additional 10% tariff. In a post on Truth Social, the US President wrote: “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 did not clarify what policies he was referring to, but the US President previously threatened to impose a sweeping 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they acted against the US dollar.
After winning the presidential election, Trump warned in November 2024 against creating a BRICS currency that could undermine the dominance of the US dollar. “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy,” he wrote on Truth Social at the time.
Trump’s Tariffs
On April 2, Trump sparked a trade war by announcing stiff tariffs on all imports to the US. Trump’s move sparked fear across the world of an economic recession and higher inflation. As a result, Trump later suspended most of the tariffs for 90 days, set to expire on July 9.
The US President ruled out extending the pause beyond that date, saying that that his administration would notify countries of trade penalties unless they reach an agreement with the US.
Early on Monday, Trump confirmed that dozens of countries would start receiving letters from Monday, warning them that they would face higher tariffs on August 1, 2025.
“I am pleased to announce that the UNITED STATES TARIFF Letters, and/or Deals, with various Countries from around the World, will be delivered starting 12:00 P.M. (Eastern), Monday, July 7th. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he posted on Truth Social.
BRICS Summit
The BRICS group originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in a united bloc that promotes a multipolar economic world order and supports the growth and development of the Global South.
The group has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia and Indonesia. The BRICS also has 10 strategic partner countries, including Belarus, Cuba, Vietnam, Nigeria and Thailand. Saudi Arabia has also received an invitation to the bloc, but has yet to confirm its membership.
The BRICS summit in Brazil saw the absence of China’s President, Xi Jinping, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who delivered his speech through videoconference. Moreover, the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, were absent.
Concerns over Iran and Gaza
The summit’s joint declaration harshly criticized the recent attacks against Iran, voicing deep concern over the targeting of civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran.
“We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East,” the statement said.
The BRICS leaders also reiterated their grave concern over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, amid the ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza and the blockade of humanitarian aid. “We also condemn attempts to politicize or militarize humanitarian assistance,” they said.
“We exhort the parties to engage in good faith in further negotiations to achieve an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law, and sustained and unhindered access and delivery of humanitarian aid,” the statement added.
