RIO DE JANEIRO: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligns itself with what he called the “Anti-American policies” of the BRICS group of developing nations.
The warning comes as BRICS leaders gathered in Brazil for the start of a major summit aimed at strengthening cooperation among its members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The bloc is seeking to present itself as a platform for multilateral diplomacy at a time when global forums such as the G7 and G20 are struggling with internal divisions and the disruptive impact of the “America First” doctrine championed by Trump.
Amid escalating trade tensions and regional conflicts, BRICS leaders are expected to discuss joint initiatives on development financing, trade facilitation, and political cooperation. Analysts say the summit signals a push by emerging economies to assert greater influence over international economic and diplomatic norms.
Trump’s tariff threat, however, underscores Washington’s determination to counter what it sees as growing anti-U.S. sentiment and policy coordination among major emerging economies. It remains unclear how U.S. allies or trade partners outside BRICS will respond to the announcement.
