Trump threatens 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS’ ‘anti-American’ policies

Abdullateef Fowewe

Report by Reuters report stated the United States will not immediately impose an additional 10% tariff on BRICS member countries but will do so if they adopt policies deemed “anti-American,” according to a source familiar with the matter.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced that any country aligning with the “anti-American policies of BRICS” would face this additional tariff, with no exceptions.

Nigeria, a BRICS partner country since January 2025, is among those at risk of facing the tariff, as it participates in BRICS meetings and initiatives but is not a full member.

The announcement came as the BRICS bloc met for its 17th summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where leaders criticised Trump’s tariff threats and recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that rising tariffs could harm the global economy.

While the US had planned to raise tariffs on some countries by July 9, the effective date has been postponed to August 1 to allow ongoing trade negotiations with nations including India and Indonesia.

Trump has warned that unless trade deals are reached, tariffs could increase, reflecting his broader trade strategy targeting multiple countries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly rejected Trump’s threats, stating, “The world does not need an emperor,” emphasising BRICS’ pursuit of alternative global economic frameworks beyond US dominance.

Other BRICS leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and China’s spokesperson Mao Ning, also pushed back against the tariff threats, calling for cooperation and opposing coercive trade measures.

The situation underscores escalating trade tensions as BRICS expands its influence, with over 30 countries expressing interest in joining the bloc, while the US signals readiness to penalize those aligning against its interest