Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on BRICS-Aligned Nations, Citing “Anti-American” Policies
Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh global trade tensions by announcing plans to impose a 10% tariff on countries aligning with the BRICS group, labeling their policies as “anti-American.”
The move, revealed via Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes just days after a BRICS summit in Brazil where leaders discussed alternatives to Western-led global governance and criticized militarization in international relations.
🔁 Trump’s Statement on BRICS
“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions,” Trump declared.
The BRICS group—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has recently expanded its influence and aims to present a multipolar alternative to the traditional Western power structure.
🌍 BRICS Responds: “Not Against Any Country”
The Kremlin swiftly responded, denying BRICS is anti-Western in nature. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the group “has never been and will never be directed against any third countries.” The BRICS framework, he said, promotes cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereign interests.
Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva compared BRICS to the historic Non-Aligned Movement, stating:
“If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date.”
📈 Trade Deal Deadlines and Confusion Over Tariffs
Trump’s renewed tariff warning follows his earlier 90-day pause on the original “Liberation Day” tariffs announced in April. Confusion reigns over the new implementation date.
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Trump says new letters outlining tariffs or trade deals will go out today (July 7) at 12:00 PM ET.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that while the letters will be sent now, tariffs won’t be enforced until August 1.
This delay has given markets temporary relief but has also raised questions about Trump’s consistency.
🌐 Market Reaction and Global Concerns
European markets opened mixed amid uncertainty:
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Germany’s DAX rose 0.6%.
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The Stoxx 600 was up just 0.16%.
Analysts say the delay gives markets “breathing room,” though Trump’s threat of a BRICS-related tariff could reignite volatility.
🇨🇳 China’s Stance
China condemned the use of tariffs as a “tool of coercion”, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asserting:
“Tariffs serve no one and should not be used to pressure sovereign nations.”
🏛️ Global Calls for Diversification
Prominent voices in Asia and Europe are urging trade diversification:
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Japan’s opposition leader Hirofumi Yoshimura warned that over-reliance on U.S. markets is risky.
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He advised Japan to “build multiple trade pillars” rather than depending solely on one dominant partner.
⚡ Tesla Shares Slide Amid Political Tensions
As Trump returns to the spotlight, Tesla shares tumbled over 7% in pre-market trading, wiping roughly $70 billion from its market value.
The drop followed Elon Musk’s announcement of a new political initiative—The America Party—which Trump quickly dismissed as “ridiculous.”
Market analyst Victoria Scholar remarked:
“Musk’s renewed political focus could distract from Tesla at a time when the company needs strong leadership amid declining sales and rising EV competition.”
💬 What’s Next?
With August 1 now cited as the new start date for tariffs, nations face a narrow window to strike trade deals or prepare for potential economic fallout. The coming weeks will be pivotal as Trump’s campaign rhetoric increasingly influences global markets and diplomacy.
