Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited global trade tensions by threatening an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS, a group of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and other nations.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared,
“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.”
The threat comes just days before the expiration of a 90-day pause on sweeping tariffs originally imposed on April 2 — a day Trump referred to as “Liberation Day.” These tariffs introduced a 10% duty on nearly all imports, sparking concerns across global markets and prompting negotiations with U.S. trade partners.
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The BRICS leadership, which recently met at a summit in Rio de Janeiro, issued a joint statement expressing “serious concerns” about the “indiscriminate” and “illegal” nature of U.S. import tariffs, warning that such actions risk undermining global trade stability.
Despite the looming deadline, Washington has only finalized trade deals with Britain and Vietnam, while reaching a temporary tariff reduction agreement with China.
Trump announced that starting Monday, July 7 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, he will begin dispatching tariff letters to up to 15 countries. “I think we’ll have most countries done by July 9, either a letter or a deal,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One.
While the tariff pause technically ends this week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the punitive tariffs would only take effect from August 1, allowing more time for last-minute negotiations.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also denied suggestions of a deadline extension, emphasizing that Trump is setting rates and deals in real time. “This is when it’s happening. If you want to speed things up, have at it,” Bessent added, noting that the U.S. is applying “maximum pressure” on partners, with the EU reportedly making “very good progress.”
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba maintained a defiant stance, stating that Tokyo “won’t easily compromise” in trade talks with Washington.
With diplomatic uncertainty mounting, Trump’s fresh tariff threat against BRICS-aligned countries could further strain already fragile trade relationships, and analysts warn it may spark retaliation from key economies.
