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In a sharp escalation of U.S. trade policy, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning itself with the BRICS coalition, a group of emerging economies increasingly positioning themselves as a counterbalance to Western influence. Trump’s remarks were posted on Truth Social just hours after the opening of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Any Country aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump declared, though he did not specify which policies were deemed “anti-American.”
The BRICS bloc—originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has undergone significant expansion. In 2024, it added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, boosting its representation to over half of the world’s population and approximately 40% of global economic output, according to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Addressing fellow leaders at the summit, Lula positioned BRICS as the ideological successor to the Non-Aligned Movement of the Cold War era, which sought to remain independent of U.S.-Soviet rivalry. He emphasised the bloc’s growing role in championing multilateralism, particularly as traditional forums like the G7 and G20 struggle with internal divisions and America’s unilateralist stance. “BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement,” Lula said. “With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again.”
In a joint statement, BRICS leaders expressed concern about the global rise in tariffs, indirectly criticising U.S. trade practices under Trump, who has consistently pursued protectionist policies. The bloc called for a more balanced and fair global trade system and reiterated demands for reforming key international institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund to better reflect the emerging multipolar world.
Lula warned against rising protectionism in a separate meeting with business leaders, urging BRICS to drive change in global governance structures. He highlighted that past U.S.-led wars and economic interventions had undermined international stability. “If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date,” Lula stated.
Despite its expanding reach, the summit reflected ongoing geopolitical tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping opted not to attend personally, sending his premier instead. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated via video due to an ICC arrest warrant. Still, the event drew major figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The summit is being held at Rio’s Museum of Modern Art, symbolically underscoring BRICS’ vision for a modern, inclusive, and multipolar world order.
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Trump’s tariff threat comes as his administration pushes to finalise numerous trade deals ahead of a self-imposed July 9 deadline for enacting what he terms “retaliatory tariffs.” These measures reflect Trump’s renewed focus on economic nationalism as part of his broader campaign to reassert American dominance on the world stage.
While over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS as full members or partners, Trump’s new policy could deter potential allies who fear economic repercussions from the United States. As the BRICS coalition gains momentum, it remains to be seen how Trump’s aggressive trade stance will influence the global realignment currently underway.