In a bold escalation of his trade agenda, former President Donald Trump has announced he will target any country supporting the so-called “anti-American” policies of the BRICS group with new tariffs. Posting on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump stated that the United States would apply an additional 10% duty on any nation aligning with BRICS in a way he deems contrary to American interests — a move that could reignite significant global trade tensions.
Trump specified that the United States would dispatch tariff letters to “dozens” of countries starting Monday, ahead of the expiration of a key tariff pause set to end on Wednesday. However, he left vague what exactly constitutes “anti-American” policy among BRICS nations, creating confusion among analysts and diplomats.
BRICS Expansion and Growing Influence
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently broadened its membership to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. A further ten nations — among them Belarus, Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam — are considered partners. There is still uncertainty about whether Saudi Arabia has formally accepted its invitation to join.
The group advocates a “multipolar” world order, challenging what it perceives as the dominance of Western-led global institutions. As Brazil hosts the current BRICS summit, members voiced concern in a joint statement about rising unilateral tariff measures — widely interpreted as a critique of Trump’s trade posture.
Tariff Letters and Deadlines
As the 90-day freeze on tariffs draws to a close, Trump signaled that tariff letters and deal offers would begin circulating at 12 p.m. Eastern on Monday. In an additional post, he threatened that if countries do not engage in negotiations, tariffs would revert to April 2 levels by August 1.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the letters would outline tariff rates starting at a 10% baseline but could escalate as high as 70% in certain cases, though he insisted these higher rates were not aimed at America’s primary trade partners.
Speaking to CNN, Trump indicated that anywhere between 12 to 15 countries might immediately receive letters or proposals. By July 9, he expects nearly all the targeted nations to have either a formal tariff agreement or a letter in hand.
Administration Pushes “Maximum Pressure”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed Trump’s strategy, telling reporters the White House is actively finalizing trade deals to avoid a sudden tariff spike come August 1. He emphasized that countries failing to reach a deal by the deadline risked facing tariffs at baseline or higher rates.
Bessent also mentioned that roughly 100 countries with minimal trade volumes would still receive the letters, cautioning they were already at a 10% duty floor. Trump has described these letters as a better alternative for nations unwilling to negotiate.
Skepticism and Framework Deals
Since pausing reciprocal tariffs in April, Trump claims to have brokered 200 trade deals, though only three have been publicly confirmed: with the United Kingdom, maintaining a 10% tariff; China, which reduced certain tariffs from 145% to 30%; and Vietnam, which accepted a minimum 20% rate.
Some critics argue these arrangements are little more than frameworks lacking enforceable commitments. Bessent, however, insists the coming wave of letters will finalize tariff rates for up to 100 countries in the coming days, leveraging the U.S. trade deficit as a powerful bargaining chip.
BRICS, Global Tensions, and Strategic Risks
Trump’s renewed threat against BRICS supporters brings added volatility to international markets just days before the critical tariff window closes. The BRICS alliance has recently explored cross-border payment initiatives and pushed back against what they see as weaponized trade practices.
Trump previously warned of imposing tariffs up to 100% on “hostile” BRICS members if they advanced proposals for a shared currency — an idea championed by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva in 2023, though not formally adopted.
Meanwhile, BRICS leaders have criticized military strikes on Iran and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities without directly naming the United States or Israel, both of which were involved in air raids on Iranian facilities last month.
At a Monday press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated BRICS’s cooperative stance and criticized the use of tariffs as political weapons, arguing they do not benefit any party and increase economic uncertainty.
Inflation Concerns and Economic Fallout
Economists have raised alarms that broad tariffs — particularly on Chinese imports — could sharply raise prices for U.S. consumers. Large retailers, including Walmart, have signaled they may pass these costs on to customers.
While Treasury Secretary Bessent dismissed fears of inflation as “misinformation” and claimed no substantial price hikes had materialized, the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a small rise in the Producer Price Index in May, hinting at potential inflationary spillovers.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers cautioned that tariffs might generate revenue but would erode U.S. competitiveness and drive up costs in the long run. However, the White House Council of Economic Advisers pushed back, with chairman Stephen Miran arguing there is no clear evidence that tariffs damaged the economy during Trump’s first term.
Miran described tariff revenue as robust and suggested it would not meaningfully harm job growth or price stability, maintaining that the administration’s trade stance has supported domestic industries.
Conclusion
Trump’s latest move underscores a dramatic, hardline approach to global trade that could reshape the dynamics of international commerce if implemented. With only days left before the tariff pause ends, all eyes will be on Washington to see how trading partners respond — and whether the world’s fragile trade balance can weather another round of tariff wars.
