7 July, 2025:
US President Donald Trump has issued a new warning about imposing extra tariffs on countries that support BRICS policies, calling them “anti-American.” His remarks come even as the BRICS summit is underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This raises concerns about increasing tensions between Washington and the influential group.
"Any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an additional 10% tariff," Trump said Sunday night in a Truth Social post. "There will be no exceptions to this policy."
These remarks come as the US prepares to send tariff letters to many countries in the next few days. The Trump administration's 90-day pause on higher duties is set to end on Wednesday. Trump mentioned in another post that the letters would begin going out from noon Monday, Washington time.
BRICS now makes up 45 percent of the global population and contributes over 35 percent to the world’s GDP. At their summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, the founding five members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—formally admitted Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as new members. Indonesia joined the group later in January 2025, bringing the total membership to ten.
In June 2022, Russia suggested creating a new international reserve currency based on a mix of currencies from BRICS countries. However, a report from BRICS stated that member nations do not aim to replace the US dollar as a medium of exchange. Instead, BRICS seeks to offer a viable alternative that will support the market in its ongoing mission for efficiency and promote greater prosperity and inclusive economic globalization.
Since his first day in office in January, Trump has warned against BRICS nations, showing strong opposition to its initiatives, especially those that involve reducing reliance on the US dollar. In later statements, he reiterated his position, saying that BRICS countries should drop any plans for an alternative currency. He stated that any nation attempting to replace the US dollar in international trade would face serious economic consequences, including significant tariffs.
While Trump's post did not specify which policies he views as "anti-American," nor did it clarify when any of those tariffs might be implemented.
