Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Supporting Brics Agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning that countries aligning with what he termed the “anti-American policies” of the Brics bloc would face an additional 10% tariff — with no exceptions.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social, without specifying which policies or nations were being targeted.
The threat comes amid heightened global trade tensions and hours after Brics nations released the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which criticized the rising wave of protectionism and tariffs — though it did not name the U.S. or Trump directly.
“The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions… threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities,” the statement said. Brics also reiterated support for a rules-based multilateral trading system anchored in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Brics — originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
New U.S. Trade Letters Incoming
In a follow-up post, Trump said the U.S. would begin dispatching formal letters to countries outlining revised trade terms and new tariff rules.
“I am pleased to announce that the UNITED STATES TARIFF Letters, and/or Deals, with various Countries… will be delivered starting 12:00 P.M. (Eastern), Monday, July 7th,” he wrote.
India’s Balancing Act
The warning comes at a sensitive moment for India, which remains an active Brics member but is also in the final stages of negotiating a bilateral trade deal with the United States. Government sources indicated that negotiations have been concluded and a formal announcement may follow soon.
Officials say India has proposed a “fair and balanced” deal, aimed at supporting labour-intensive industries while protecting critical domestic sectors such as agriculture and genetically modified crops. Tariffs on steel, aluminium, and autos are unlikely to be part of the interim arrangement.
The talks are especially crucial with July 9 marking the end of a 90-day suspension of elevated U.S. tariffs on imports from countries including India. If no deal is reached, Indian exports could again be subject to an additional 26% duty.
While India is unlikely to withdraw from Brics, the timing of Trump’s ultimatum adds pressure as New Delhi seeks to navigate complex geopolitical and economic alignments.
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