The Trump administration has decided not to immediately impose a 10% extra tariff on BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), even though President Donald Trump had earlier threatened trade penalties.
According to a report, the US government may still apply the tariff later if any BRICS country takes actions that go against American interests. A source familiar with the situation said, “A line is being drawn. If countries make anti-American policy decisions, then the tariff will be added.”
Read more: Donald Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Japan and Korea Starting August 1, 2025
Trump made this warning on Sunday through a post on Truth Social. His statement comes during tense trade talks between the US and several BRICS countries, especially as a July 9 deadline approaches, when previous tariff waivers are set to expire.
In his post, Trump said, “Any country that supports BRICS’ anti-American policies will face a 10% additional tariff. No exceptions.”
The statement caused strong international reactions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the threat “disappointing,” and said BRICS is meant for cooperation, not to harm any country. “There should never be revenge against countries that want to work together,” he said in an interview.
Also See: ‘No Winners in Trade Wars’: China Slams Trump’s BRICS Tariff Threat as ‘Coercion’
Meanwhile, at a summit in Rio de Janeiro, finance ministers and central bank leaders from BRICS criticized the US tariffs, saying they go against fair trade rules. They promised to support a global trade system that follows international rules.
