Natalie Nyathi
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he will impose an extra 10% tariff on any country that supports what he calls the “Anti-American policies” of the BRICS group. This announcement comes as leaders from BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—meet in Brazil for a summit focused on strengthening cooperation among developing countries.
BRICS started as a group of four countries—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—in 2009, with South Africa joining later. Over the years, the group has expanded to include more nations, representing a large part of the world’s population and economy. By 2025, BRICS countries account for more than half of the global population and about 40% of economic output.
Trump’s threat to impose tariffs fits into his “America First” policy, which aims to protect U.S. interests. He stated on Truth Social that countries aligning with BRICS will face additional tariffs, with no exceptions.
This announcement comes as Trump’s administration works to finalize various trade deals before a deadline on July 9. The move is seen as a way to discourage other countries from working closely with BRICS.
In response, BRICS leaders issued a statement criticizing protectionist measures and stressing the importance of working together. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva compared BRICS to the Cold War’s Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing the group’s goal of promoting independence in a divided world.
BRICS leaders warned that rising tariffs could harm global trade and expressed concerns about increasing tensions. They did not mention the U.S. directly, but their comments were viewed as a response to Trump’s policies.
BRICS nations are also looking to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar and explore alternative payment systems. They have been working on initiatives like the New Development Bank to provide financial support without depending on Western institutions.
The potential impact of Trump’s tariffs could be significant for both the U.S. and BRICS nations. Analysts suggest that trade between the U.S. and BRICS could drop substantially, especially affecting China. This could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and job losses in industries that rely on exports.
As BRICS nations continue to build their partnerships and the U.S. adopts more protectionist policies, the relationship between the two sides may remain tense. Whether they can find common ground and avoid a trade war will be crucial for the global economy and future international cooperation.