Trump Targets BRICS-Aligned Nations With 10% Tariff Threat

On Sunday, July 6 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“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.”

This warning was directed at nations supporting what he termed BRICS’s “anti‑American policies,” although he did not define what those entail. The threat followed a series of strong statements from the BRICS bloc—which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and has been recently expanded to encompass Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7.

BRICS Pushes Back

At the summit, the BRICS leaders condemned recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, labeling them a violation of international law, and expressed grave concern over civilian suffering in Gaza. They also denounced a “terrorist attack” in Indian‑administered Kashmir. Without naming the U.S. specifically, they took aim at what they described as rising “unilateral” and “indiscriminate” tariff measures—asserting their inconsistency with WTO rules.

China responded publicly, describing BRICS as a bloc of openness and mutual cooperation, not one aimed at confrontation. Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning reinforced that “protectionism has no future” and that tariff wars create no winners.

Tariff Letters & Deadlines

Trump also announced that official tariff letters and deal proposals would begin circulating Monday, July 7, at 12:00 PM Eastern, alerting nations whether they’ll face the standard tariffs or additional BRICS‑linked surcharges.

Initially, these tariffs were set to take effect Wednesday, July 9, marking the end of a 90‑day pause enacted in April following global market fluctuations. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that the tariffs are now scheduled for August 1—providing more time for countries to strike deals.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that dozens of tariff letters—likely around 100—are expected to go out to countries without finalized agreements.

Ongoing Negotiations & Market Impacts

To date, the U.S. has secured agreements with three partners: the UK, China, and Vietnam. Talks are continuing with the EU, India, Japan, and South Korea. Vietnam's deal notably reduced its proposed 46 % tariff to 20 %, and granted duty-free access to U.S. markets.

The uncertainty over tariffs has rattled financial markets—raising the U.S. dollar, pressuring the British pound, and affecting equities, bonds, and industrial metals.

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BRICS’s Agenda: Collaboration, Currency, & Climate

During the Rio declaration (July 6), BRICS leaders:

• Urged reforms to enhance the WTO‑centered multilateral trading system.

• Launched a Multilateral Guarantees initiative under the New Development Bank (NDB) to lower financing costs for member projects.

— The NDB—established in 2014 with HQ in Shanghai—disburses loans, guarantees, and equity to finance sustainable infrastructure and socioeconomic projects for Global South nations. On July 6, BRICS reaffirmed support for its expansion and leadership under Dilma Rousseff.

• Supported Ethiopia and Iran in their WTO membership efforts.

• Raised concerns about AI regulation, calling for mechanisms that ensure data protection and fair remuneration.

• Encouraged a new Tropical Forests Forever Facility, endorsed by China and the UAE, to support lasting conservation—highlighted by Brazil ahead of the UN climate summit.

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