Trump Threatens BRICS With Tariffs After Bloc Slams US Policies

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligns with BRICS, following indirect criticism from the bloc over trade protectionism and recent US military strikes in Iran.

“Any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff,” Trump posted on Social Truth. “There will be no exceptions to this policy.”

BRICS, originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include countries like Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. During its 17th summit in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS issued a joint declaration promoting global peace and multilateralism, while warning against protectionist economic measures and unilateral trade restrictions.

The bloc expressed concern about “the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.” Without naming the United States directly, BRICS criticized trade practices that “reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty.”

The declaration also condemned recent military actions against Iran. “We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law.” The strikes, initiated by Israel and later joined by the United States with stealth bomber attacks, were said to target peaceful nuclear facilities. Both countries justified these actions as necessary to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Iran has denied seeking such weapons.

In response to Trump’s new tariff threat, BRICS leaders emphasized diplomacy. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said “there needs to be greater appreciation of the emergence of various centres of power in the world… This should be seen in a positive light.”

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was more direct. “I do not think it is very responsible or serious for the president of a country as big as the United States to go around threatening the world through the internet… The world has changed. We do not want an emperor.”