By :- Shubhendra Rajawat
Washington/BRASILIA – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to BRICS nations, threatening a 10% additional tariff on countries that support policies deemed “anti-American.” The announcement comes amid growing tensions following the BRICS summit currently underway in Brazil, where member nations condemned recent military actions and trade practices — notably without directly naming the United States.
In a fiery post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “Any country aligning with BRICS’ anti-US policies will face a 10% additional tariff. There will be no exceptions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
BRICS Criticism Without Naming the US
During the summit, BRICS nations — including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — were joined by new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. The group jointly criticized rising global tariffs and recent military strikes in the Middle East, implicitly referring to U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. They also condemned what they described as unilateral trade measures harming global commerce, arguing these practices violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who currently holds the BRICS chair, also criticized NATO for increasing defense spending. “It is always easier to invest in war than in peace,” Lula said during his opening remarks.
Tariff Suspension Deadline Nears
Trump’s warning also coincides with the looming expiration of a global tariff suspension on July 9. Earlier, Trump had stated that he would not extend the 90-day tariff freeze on several countries. According to sources, Trump has already signed letters notifying 10–12 countries of new tariffs, which are scheduled to be sent out Monday.
The prospect of renewed tariffs has raised concerns among global trading partners, many of whom fear a return to the protectionist policies seen during Trump’s previous administration.
BRICS 2025 Theme: Strengthening the Global South
This year’s summit, hosted by Brazil, focuses on strengthening cooperation among Global South nations. The theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance,” reflects the group’s growing ambition to counterbalance Western dominance in global economic and political systems.
By avoiding direct reference to the U.S. while still delivering strong statements against rising tariffs and military interventions, BRICS nations are signaling a shift towards a more unified and assertive stance on global issues — a move that Trump appears ready to counter with aggressive economic measures.
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s threats will materialize into formal trade policy — and how BRICS nations will respond.