U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that countries aligning with the policies of the BRICS bloc will face an additional 10% tariff on exports to the United States. This statement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, coincides with the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, indicating a tougher U.S. stance towards the growing coalition.
“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 declared. However, he did not specify which policies would trigger the tariffs or how alignment would be determined.
The BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—issued a joint statement condemning “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures” and expressing concern over rising trade restrictions inconsistent with WTO rules. Though not naming the U.S. directly, the statement was widely seen as a critique of American tariff policies.
Experts suggest Trump’s “anti-American” label refers to BRICS’ ambition to challenge the U.S.-led global financial order and reduce reliance on the dollar. Stephen Olson, a former U.S. trade negotiator, noted the criteria for alignment remain unclear.
China responded by opposing the use of tariffs as coercive tools, emphasising that “arbitrarily slapping tariffs does not serve the interests of any party.” Brazil, the summit host, has not commented, while Russia and China participated remotely.
BRICS positions itself as a forum for Global South countries seeking greater influence and aims to counterbalance Western-dominated institutions. The bloc also condemned recent military strikes on Iran without naming the attackers, showing solidarity among its members.
Trump confirmed that the U.S. would soon send letters detailing tariff rates and agreements to trading partners. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated tariffs announced in April will take effect on August 1 for countries without deals, dismissing suggestions of shifting deadlines.