Trump Warns 10% Tariff on Nations Supporting BRICS ‘Anti-American’ Agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to any country supporting the “anti-American policies of BRICS,” declaring that they would be subject to an additional 10% tariff.

Tensions Rise Between US and Emerging Economies

“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.”

— Donald Trump, via Truth Social

Trump’s message on Truth Social came shortly after the BRICS bloc issued a strong rebuke against rising protectionist trade practices.

BRICS Condemns Unilateral Trade Measures

Summit in Rio Raises Concerns Over Trade Instability

At the ongoing BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa voiced “serious concerns” over the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures. While the joint statement did not directly mention the U.S. or Trump, its language clearly referenced Washington's recent trade policies.

“The global economy and financial markets have increasingly been subject to elevated uncertainty and bouts of intense volatility,”
— BRICS Joint Statement

BRICS leaders emphasized that such practices violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and risk triggering widespread economic volatility, impeding global growth and distorting trade flows.

Dollar Dominance Challenged by BRICS

Push for Alternative Currencies and Payment Systems

The BRICS bloc has long championed the creation of a common currency or an alternative payment mechanism to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This initiative aims to strengthen economic sovereignty among member states and support a multipolar global financial system.

Their economic strategies have increasingly placed them at odds with U.S. interests, particularly under Trump’s protectionist stance.

July 9 Deadline Looms as Trade Tensions Escalate

Reciprocal Tariffs Suspension Nearing End

Trump’s recent warning comes just ahead of the July 9 expiration of a 90-day suspension on Trump-era reciprocal tariffs. The former president has already initiated a new round of tariff hikes, including:

• A 10% base tariff

• Additional duties of up to 50% on select imports

These tariffs are set to take effect in August, further heightening fears of a resurgent global trade war.

BRICS Advocates Multilateralism Amid Growing Divide

Amid these escalating tensions, BRICS leaders have urged greater international cooperation, calling for stronger ties not just within the bloc but also with other emerging and developed economies.

They called for:

• Inclusive and sustainable globalisation

• De-escalation of trade hostilities

• Multilateral solutions to safeguard global growth

This message comes at a crucial moment when the world economy is already grappling with inflation, geopolitical instability, and disrupted supply chains.

Conclusion: A Fragile Global Trade Order

Donald Trump’s renewed hardline trade approach signals a significant shift in U.S. policy that could have far-reaching implications for global economic stability. By threatening a 10% additional tariff on nations aligning with BRICS’ so-called “anti-American” agenda, the U.S. risks deepening the divide between Western powers and emerging economies.

As BRICS countries continue to push for monetary independence, reduced reliance on the U.S. dollar, and a multipolar financial system, tensions with Washington are likely to escalate. This growing rift not only threatens to fragment global trade alliances but could also disrupt investment flows and supply chains already weakened by inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

If more countries embrace the BRICS model of economic sovereignty, the U.S. may resort to further unilateral measures—potentially igniting a new era of tariff wars and retaliatory policies. Whether these developments lead to a redefined global trade order or an extended phase of economic volatility remains uncertain but increasingly urgent.