Trump Threatens Extra 10% Tariff on Countries Siding With BRICS, Calls Alliance 'Anti-American'

US President Donald Trump has warned that nations aligning themselves with the BRICS group of emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — will face an additional 10% tariff on goods. The statement comes as the 9 July 2025 deadline for renegotiating trade agreements with the United States has passed.

Trump calls BRICS alignment 'anti-American'

On 7 July, Trump used Truth Social to issue a warning to governments seeking closer ties with the BRICS economic alliance.

'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,' he wrote.

The post quickly drew reactions from several governments and prompted public statements from BRICS member states.

What is BRICS?

BRICS began as an informal grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2001, designed to promote cooperation among fast-growing economies. South Africa joined the bloc in 2010. By 2025, it had expanded to 11 nations, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia all accepting invitations to join.

The alliance supports greater cooperation among developing countries on trade, finance, and diplomatic issues, and is viewed by some analysts as a potential counterbalance to Western-led institutions.

China responds to Trump's tariff threat

Responding to the post, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reaffirmed the bloc's mission. 'BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets in developing countries,' she said at a press briefing.

'It advocates openness, inclusiveness and willing cooperation. It is not a bloc for confrontation, nor does it target any country.'

Other BRICS members, including South Africa and Russia, echoed China's sentiment, stating that the group's aim is to promote collaboration, not division, according to Reuters.

Tariff letters to be sent after missed deadline

The trade warning follows a Time report revealing that Trump's administration had set a 90-day window for trade partners to renegotiate deals. With that deadline now expired, the new tariffs are expected to take effect from 1 August 2025.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the implementation schedule, saying letters will be sent to between 10 and 15 countries. These will outline new tariff rates based on whether a revised deal has been secured.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that some nations will receive 'thank you' letters for reaffirming their trade commitments with the United States. 'We welcome them as committed trading partners,' Bessent said.

Global markets react cautiously

The Guardian reported a cautious response from financial markets. Shares in Asia and Europe dipped slightly, while metal prices fluctuated amid uncertainty over which nations will be most affected by the new tariffs.

While the long-term impact of the tariffs remains unclear, analysts note that further moves targeting multilateral alliances like BRICS could shift global trade dynamics. As the 1 August implementation date draws closer, businesses and governments are watching for signals from Washington on possible exemptions or extensions.