Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on BRICS-Supporting Nations: Escalating Tensions in Global Trade

• Why Did Trump Target BRICS Nations With Tariff Threats?
• How Did BRICS Leaders Navigate the Trump Tariff Storm?
• What’s Next for U.S.-BRICS Relations Under Trump’s Return?
• FAQs: Trump’s BRICS Tariff Gambit

In a bold move that sent shockwaves through global markets, former U.S. President Donald Trump—now back in the White House—announced a 10% tariff threat against countries supporting BRICS policies he deemed "anti-American." The announcement came during the final day of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The threat followed Trump's reportedly "very disappointing" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a subsequent conversation with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While BRICS members largely avoided direct confrontation, the tariff warning triggered volatility in emerging market currencies and stocks. This article unpacks the geopolitical chess game, the muted BRICS response, and the potential Ripple effects on global trade alliances.

Why Did Trump Target BRICS Nations With Tariff Threats?

The BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro took an unexpected turn when Trump—fresh off a contentious call with Putin—dropped his tariff bombshell. Here’s what fueled the confrontation:

• The Putin Factor: Trump publicly expressed frustration over his Thursday call with Putin, stating, "I don’t think he’s looking to stop" the Ukraine war. This set the stage for his aggressive posture.
• Economic Leverage: The 10% tariff threat aimed to curb what Trump framed as BRICS’ "anti-American" trade policies, though he avoided naming specific measures.
• Timing as a Weapon: The announcement strategically coincided with the summit’s closing session, maximizing its disruptive potential.
• Zelenskyy’s Role: Trump’s follow-up call with Zelenskyy—described by Ukraine as "fruitful"—highlighted his attempt to balance tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
• Market Reactions: Emerging market currencies and stocks wobbled Monday morning as traders digested the news, per TradingView data.

Celso Amorim, Lula’s senior advisor, offered a pointed rebuttal: "Threats only prove why BRICS exists. We don’t threaten the U.S. with anything."

How Did BRICS Leaders Navigate the Trump Tariff Storm?

BRICS delegates opted for caution over confrontation. Key observations:

• Diplomatic Silence: Most members avoided public reactions, with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister declining questions entirely.
• Malaysia’s Tightrope: The Trade Ministry affirmed its U.S. economic ties while subtly endorsing BRICS’ multilateralism.
• Ramaphosa’s Exit: South Africa’s president left early amid domestic crises, sidestepping a planned bilateral with Lula—a move read as avoiding provocation.
• Summit Statement: The group’s final declaration criticized tariffs and military aggression without naming the U.S., showcasing strategic ambiguity.
• Amorim’s Defense: He framed BRICS as an anchor for multilateralism, a nod to its 40% global population share and economic heft.

One delegate summarized the mood: "Wait and see is the only option."

What’s Next for U.S.-BRICS Relations Under Trump’s Return?

The tariff threat signals a rocky road ahead:

• Economic Fault Lines: BRICS now includes Iran (joined 2023) and represents 31.5% of global GDP (IMF 2024), making Trump’s move high-stakes.
• Currency Volatility: Emerging market forex pairs saw heightened swings, with USD/BRL and USD/ZAR spiking 0.8% post-announcement (CoinGlass).
• Alliance Calculus: Observers note BRICS’ expansion to 10 members dilutes cohesion, possibly emboldening Trump’s divide-and-conquer approach.
• Tech Decoupling: The U.S. may accelerate semiconductor export curbs to BRICS nations, per BTCC analysts.
• Energy Chessboard: Saudi Arabia’s noncommittal stance hints at OPEC+ tensions, given Russia’s BRICS role.