Donald Trump has warned BRICS nations that a 10% extra tariff will be imposed on them for supporting anti-American policies. This could have a trade impact on several countries, including India. BRICS has criticized this move.
BRICS: Former US President Donald Trump has warned BRICS countries that they will face a 10% extra tariff if they support anti-American policies. This threat could spark new tensions in global trade. Let's understand why Trump is targeting BRICS and what its impact will be.
Trump's Threat Heats Up Global Politics Again
Donald Trump, on his social media platform 'Truth Social', directly warned BRICS nations that they would have to bear a 10% extra tariff if they opposed US policies or supported anti-American policies. Earlier, on Monday, Trump had announced a 25% to 40% tariff on 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea.
What is BRICS and why is it in America's crosshairs?
BRICS is a group of five emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was established in 2009. Recently, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, UAE, and Indonesia have also been made part of it. The aim of BRICS is to increase the participation of developing countries in global trade and financial systems.
US Concerned Over Efforts to Reduce Reliance on Dollar
BRICS countries have been working for a long time to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. Russia and China are already using their local currencies in mutual trade. In 2022, Russia also raised the issue of a BRICS currency. Moreover, since the US excluded Russia and Iran from the global financial network like SWIFT, many countries have started looking for alternatives to the dollar.
Trump's Old Threat of 100% Tariffs
This is not the first time Trump has threatened BRICS countries with tariffs. Earlier in 2025, he said that if BRICS countries challenged the dollar, they would face 100% tariffs. He has currently mentioned a 10% tariff, but this is an indication of how serious the matter could be.
According to a Reuters report, the Trump administration is not currently planning to impose tariffs on all BRICS countries immediately. But if any country goes against US policy, this extra tariff could be imposed on it.
Is This Threat a Cause for Concern for India?
India is a founding member of BRICS and has signed the recent declaration criticizing the US tariffs. In such a situation, the question arises whether Trump's threat could also create trouble for India.
Currently, Trump has not imposed tariffs on India. On the contrary, he has said that a trade deal between the US and India could be finalized soon. But if India takes steps with BRICS to explore alternatives to the dollar, it could also come under the US's target.
BRICS's Strength: 35% Contribution to World GDP
BRICS countries now represent 45% of the world's total population, and their contribution to global GDP is more than 35%. These countries are not only becoming economically b but are also playing an important role in the global balance of power. The US fears that if these countries collectively adopt other currencies instead of the dollar, it could weaken its economic dominance.
Brazilian President Responds Strongly
The best reaction to Trump's threat came from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He clearly stated that the world has changed and we don't need any emperors. He said that BRICS countries are working towards making the global economy more balanced and just, which is making some people uncomfortable.
