US Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligned with BRICS Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that any country aligning with what he termed the "anti-American policies of BRICS" will face an additional 10% tariff. The threat, issued on social media, came shortly after the BRICS summit in Brazil, where leaders criticized the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs” as a threat to global trade. The move escalates trade tensions and directly impacts India and other members of the expanded 11-nation bloc, which represents nearly half the world's population.
Unpacked:
BRICS is a bloc initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024-25, it expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, making 11 full members as of 2025. The group also has partner countries such as Vietnam, Belarus, and others, aiming for a more inclusive international order.
The summary does not specify which policies Trump classified as “anti-American.” However, BRICS leaders at the recent summit criticized the rising use of tariffs, which is likely seen as a challenge to U.S. trade practices. Historically, BRICS has called for a more multipolar world and reforms to global economic governance, sometimes clashing with U.S. positions.
With its recent expansions, the BRICS bloc and its partners now represent about 56% of the world’s population and 44% of global GDP, making it a major force in global economics and international relations.
The summary does not detail specific responses from India or other BRICS members. Historically, BRICS nations have collectively criticized unilateral trade actions and called for multilateral dialogue, but direct official responses to this latest U.S. threat have not been reported in the given summary.