U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries supporting BRICS’ anti-American policies.
Trump Slams BRICS’ Anti-American Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with the BRICS economic bloc in its endeavors to establish an alternative economic system. Writing on Truth Social, Trump warned there would be no exceptions to this policy targeting supporters of the “anti-American policies of BRICS.”
Trump’s warning came as the bloc released the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which appeared to take aim at the U.S. president’s tariff policies. In the declaration, BRICS member states said they are concerned with the “rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which not only distort trade but are inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.”
Instead of acting unilaterally, BRICS member states insist only the WTO has the necessary mandate, expertise and capacity “to lead on the multiple dimensions of international trade discussions, including the negotiation of new trade rules.” The declaration also reiterated the bloc’s opposition to the imposition of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, as well as its unwillingness to be party to non-U.N. Security Council authorized sanctions.
However, the bloc’s joint communique failed to pacify Trump, who has previously threatened to block access to the U.S. market to countries plotting to ditch the dollar.
“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 warned.
Trump’s renewed, stark warnings against the BRICS economic bloc and any nations seeking to align with its burgeoning influence coincided directly with his administration’s announcement that it would commence delivering letters detailing country-specific tariff rates on July 7.
This move underscores a determined effort by the U.S. to exert economic pressure, particularly as the July 9 deadline for the expiration of a 90-day tariff suspension loomed, potentially ushering in new, higher levies on imports. The White House indicated that these letters would specify what countries would “have to pay” if they wish to continue trading with the United States without new agreements, signaling a forceful “take it or leave it” approach to international trade negotiations.
