News Brief
US President Donald Trump (File Photo)
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on any country aligning itself with the “Anti-American policies of BRICS,” escalating tensions as the bloc’s summit unfolds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “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.”
Although Trump did not elaborate on which specific BRICS policies he considers anti-American, his remarks come amid a BRICS summit where member nations have expressed concern over unilateral trade practices.
In a joint statement on Sunday (6 July), BRICS leaders criticised “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures, including the indiscriminate increase of reciprocal tariffs.”
Responding firmly, China’s foreign ministry released a statement asserting, “The use of tariffs serves no one,” reiterating Beijing’s opposition to tariffs as instruments of political pressure. “We oppose tariffs being used as a tool to coerce others,” it added.
The timing of Trump’s threat coincides with India’s endorsement of the BRICS declaration critical of US-led tariff regimes. His comments indicate the potential for renewed aggressive trade measures.