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President Donald Trump announced that the US will impose an additional 10% tariff on any nation aligning with the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS group of developing countries, whose leaders are meeting for a significant summit in Brazil on Sunday.
As forums like the G7 and G20 struggle with internal divisions and the divisive “America First” strategy of the US president, BRICS is positioning itself as a refuge for multilateral diplomacy amid ongoing conflicts and trade disputes.
During the opening remarks at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva drew parallels with the Cold War’s Non-Aligned Movement, a coalition of developing nations that refrained from siding with either bloc in a divided global landscape.
In a joint statement released on Sunday afternoon, the group cautioned that the rise in tariffs poses a threat to global trade, subtly criticising Trump’s US tariff strategies.
“BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement,” Lula told leaders. “With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again.”
Shortly thereafter, Trump warned that he would take action against countries attempting to ally with the group.
“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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump did not elaborate or give further details on the reference to “anti-American policies” in his message. His administration is working to finalise numerous trade agreements with various nations ahead of his July 9 deadline for imposing significant “retaliatory tariffs.”
Lula pointed out in his remarks to business leaders on Saturday that BRICS countries now account for over half the world’s population and 40% of its economic output, while also warning against the rise of protectionism.
The original BRICS group was formed in 2009, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, and China at its inaugural summit. The bloc later expanded to include South Africa and welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as members last year. This summit marks the first time leaders from Indonesia are participating.
Over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, either as full members or as partners.
