Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Backing ‘Anti-American’ BRICS Policies as Trade Tensions Escalate
Washington, July 7, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump, poised for a potential return to the White House in November, has issued a bold new warning amid escalating global trade tensions. In a late-night post on Truth Social this Sunday, Trump declared that the United States would impose an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning itself with what he called the “Anti-American policies of BRICS.” The move marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing standoff between Washington and the expanding BRICS alliance.
“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff,” Trump wrote. “There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
This statement comes just days before the expiration of a 90-day pause on higher U.S. tariffs that the Trump administration had implemented earlier this year to give time for trade negotiations. Trump said the U.S. government would begin sending formal tariff letters to dozens of countries starting Monday at noon (Washington time).
Why This Matters
BRICS — the influential economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has been expanding both its membership and influence. During its latest summit held over the weekend, BRICS leaders condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The group also pushed for a “just and lasting” resolution to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Among the attendees were Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Though Trump did not explicitly define what constitutes “Anti-American” policies, his threat comes amid growing concerns in Washington over BRICS’ efforts to create an alternative global financial architecture that reduces dependence on the U.S. dollar. Trump has previously threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they attempt to settle trade in local currencies rather than the dollar.
The Bigger Picture: A Battle for Global Trade Power
Trump’s latest warning signals renewed U.S. resistance to BRICS-led efforts to challenge Western economic dominance. At the summit, BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing a cross-border payment system, a long-discussed initiative aimed at facilitating trade without reliance on Western financial systems like SWIFT.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for reforming global governance, highlighting the rise of “unilateralism and protectionism,” a veiled criticism of the U.S. approach under both the Biden and Trump administrations.
“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.”
India, while traditionally a U.S. partner, has also shown growing interest in de-dollarization and strategic autonomy within BRICS, making Trump’s blanket tariff threat particularly complicated.
What’s Next?
Trump’s comments have already injected new uncertainty into global trade markets, especially for middle-income countries that trade with both the U.S. and BRICS members. Analysts say that developing economies may now face pressure to “choose sides,” potentially forcing them to align with Washington or risk economic penalties.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet responded to Trump’s statement. However, observers expect Beijing to issue a strong rebuttal, particularly if the U.S. follows through with tariff impositions.
If implemented, the 10% tariffs could affect dozens of countries, including U.S. allies who have expressed support for BRICS initiatives, such as Argentina, Egypt, and the UAE, which recently participated in BRICS forums.
Global Reaction and Concerns
Trade experts warn that Trump’s aggressive tariff plan may spark retaliation from BRICS-aligned countries and exacerbate global supply chain disruptions. The possibility of a tit-for-tat trade war looms large, just as the world economy shows signs of fragile recovery post-COVID and amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Meanwhile, U.S. businesses dependent on global exports and imports fear a fresh wave of cost increases and market volatility, especially in sectors like technology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
As the U.S. under Donald Trump ramps up its protectionist stance and BRICS accelerates its efforts to reshape global economic governance, the world finds itself at a critical crossroads. Whether this escalates into a full-blown trade war or forces a new balance of power will depend on the next moves in Washington, Beijing, New Delhi, and beyond.
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