Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligns with what he called the “Anti-American policies of BRICS”, escalating tensions in global trade. His warning, issued Sunday night on Truth Social, comes just days before the U.S. is expected to send tariff notices to multiple countries as part of a broader trade crackdown.
“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff,” Trump wrote. “There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
This declaration injects fresh uncertainty into already strained international trade relations. Trump’s administration had earlier initiated a 90-day pause on tariff increases, which is set to expire this Wednesday. He confirmed that formal letters would begin circulating from Monday at noon (Washington time).
The move follows a high-profile BRICS summit over the weekend, where leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa criticized U.S. and Israeli actions in the Middle East. In a joint statement, the group condemned strikes on Iran and called on Israel to withdraw from Gaza, advocating for a “just and lasting” peace in the region.
Though Trump did not clarify which specific BRICS policies he deems “Anti-American,” this isn’t the first time he’s signaled economic retaliation. He has previously threatened 100% tariffs against BRICS members should they abandon the U.S. dollar in favor of local currency trading systems.
In response to U.S. dominance in global finance, BRICS leaders are accelerating discussions on establishing a cross-border payment infrastructure. While the concept has been in development for over a decade, momentum is gaining amid geopolitical pressures.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, addressing the summit, called on BRICS nations to lead efforts in reforming global governance and to support peaceful solutions to international conflicts.
“Today’s world is more turbulent, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise,” Li said. “China is willing to work with BRICS countries to promote global governance in a more just, reasonable, efficient, and orderly direction.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the summit, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to multipolarity and sovereign trade cooperation.
As of now, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official response to Trump’s renewed threats. But with tariff letters on the horizon and the BRICS alliance solidifying its position, a new chapter in economic rivalry may be underway.
