Former President Donald J. Trump announced a significant economic measure during an America250 rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 3, 2025. He announced that countries which adopt the anti-American policies of the BRICS unfair trading bloc will be hit with a further 10% tariff on top of that. This policy is a direct antidote to the expanding influence of the BRICS. Our major allies in this coalition are the developing nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The surprise announcement coincided with an annual summit of the BRICS leaders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Even more tellingly, Chinese President Xi Jinping was absent, sending Premier Li Qiang in his place. Though physically absent, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the discussions virtually, a reminder of the bloc’s continued focus and dedication to achieving its goals.
Trump made his announcement via a post on Truth Social, stating firmly, “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.” His claim points to a larger policy. Second, it seeks to punish states that work with the BRICS structure, which in a wider sense, Trump sees as undermining U.S. interests.
BRICS describes itself on its website as “a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas.” This framing would stress the bloc’s aims to deepen discussion and promote cooperation with other emerging economies to tackle shared challenges.
This announcement did not include a clear timeline for how or when this new tariff policy would be implemented or enforced. It does mark a new development in U.S. trade relations with countries that choose to identify themselves with BRICS’ anti-hegemonic agenda.
It could damage the United States’ diplomatic relations with countries participating in BRICS-engaged initiatives. Making America Great—Boldly As American and global dynamics change, Trump has been equally aggressive. For one, he wants to counter what he views as increasing anti-American sentiment in developing countries.