Trump has threatened a 10% import tariff on countries aligning with BRICS or pursuing anti-dollar policies. BRICS leaders condemned the move as economic coercion and reaffirmed their push to reduce dollar reliance. Analysts warn it may spark trade tensions and accelerate BRICS integration.
In a bold and provocative move, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a sweeping 10% tariff on all nations aligning themselves with the BRICS bloc—specifically those supporting de-dollarization or pursuing “anti-American” financial strategies. The warning comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to protect U.S. economic dominance in the face of growing multipolar resistance. The tariffs, he declared, will take effect unless individual bilateral trade terms are renegotiated in America’s favor.
Leaders of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recent entrants including Indonesia—immediately condemned the threats. Brazilian President Lula da Silva called the move a “declaration of economic coercion,” while China and Russia jointly denounced the U.S. for weaponizing global trade. BRICS officials reiterated their intent to expand local currency settlements and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, seeing Trump’s actions as further validation of their shared mission.
The new tariff threat follows the rollout of the “Liberation Day” tariffs earlier this year. Analysts warn that this aggressive trade posture could trigger retaliatory actions, deepen global trade fragmentation, and push emerging economies to accelerate integration within BRICS frameworks. As Trump doubles down on economic nationalism, the world watches for signs of a full-scale tariff war in the making.