Washington, D.C. | July 7, 2025 : U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning on Sunday, announcing that any country aligning itself with the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS alliance will face an additional 10% tariff on goods imported into the United States. The statement, made via his official Truth Social account, read: “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.”

The move comes as leaders from the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly added members such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, UAE, and Ethiopia met in Brazil for the annual BRICS Summit. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping was not present, Premier Li led the delegation, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended virtually.

Trump’s message signals a new phase in his ongoing campaign of economic nationalism, framed around the concept of “reciprocal tariffs.” His administration has argued that many BRICS nations promote trade and currency strategies designed to undermine U.S. economic influence. The additional 10% tariff is set to be applied beginning August 1, 2025, unless nations enter negotiations to avoid the penalty.

This announcement builds upon the broader “Liberation Day” tariff order issued earlier this year, which introduced a baseline 10% tariff on most U.S. imports and opened the door for further country-specific levies. Trump has been particularly vocal about the threat of BRICS members pursuing a non-dollar trade system or launching a rival currency moves he has branded as hostile to American economic interests.

The administration plans to issue formal letters to all relevant countries beginning Monday, detailing the timeline and conditions under which the additional tariffs will take effect. Trump emphasized that these new duties are designed to “protect American workers and industry from anti-competitive behavior.”

In response, several BRICS nations have condemned Trump’s remarks, accusing the U.S. of weaponizing trade and undermining the rules-based international order. A joint statement from summit participants expressed concern that the new tariff threats could escalate global tensions and hurt economic recovery efforts worldwide.

Back in Washington, economic experts remain divided. Some warn that the move could trigger retaliatory tariffs from BRICS countries, disrupt global supply chains, and drive up prices for American consumers. Others argue it could strengthen Trump’s domestic political appeal by reinforcing his image as a defender of American manufacturing and trade fairness.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that some countries, including India and Indonesia, are in active talks to avoid the tariff. However, trade discussions with other BRICS nations remain tense, particularly given previous threats of even higher tariffs on countries like China and Russia.

As global leaders react, businesses and markets are bracing for what could become another wave of trade uncertainty. With only weeks to go before the new tariffs take effect, the world watches closely to see how BRICS nations will respond and whether Trump's bold trade gamble pays off or backfires.