U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to nations aligning themselves with the BRICS bloc, stating that such alliances could attract significant economic penalties from the United States if he returns to power.
In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump declared that any country supporting what he described as BRICS’ “Anti-American policies” would face an additional 10% tariff on goods exported to the United States.
“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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote.
While Trump did not provide specific details or examples of what constitutes “Anti-American policies,” the statement reflects growing tensions between the U.S. and emerging economic alliances seeking to challenge Western dominance.
The BRICS coalition, originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was created to promote economic cooperation and multipolar global influence. South Africa joined the group in 2010, and in a major expansion move in 2023, the bloc welcomed several new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Trump’s remarks suggest a hardline trade stance toward countries deepening ties with BRICS, a bloc that has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to U.S.-led global institutions. The potential reimposition of tariffs could signal a revival of Trump’s aggressive trade policies, similar to those during his first term.
Analysts warn that such a move, if implemented, could strain diplomatic and trade relations between the U.S. and several key economies, particularly as BRICS continues to grow in geopolitical and economic influence.