U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new warning to countries aligning with the BRICS bloc, declaring that any nation supporting what he called the group’s “anti-American policies” will face an additional 10% import tariff beginning next month.
“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,” Trump stated on his social media platform on Sunday.
The move is the latest in the Trump administration’s escalating trade crackdown as it pushes for new bilateral agreements ahead of a looming deadline. While the U.S. had initially set a July 9 deadline for trade negotiations, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed over the weekend that tariffs would officially come into force on August 1.
The BRICS group — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several newer members — has drawn sharp criticism from Trump since the beginning of his presidency. He has previously accused the bloc of undermining Western influence and challenging U.S. economic dominance.
Since taking office in January, Trump has rolled out a series of aggressive tariff measures, arguing that they will protect American manufacturing and jobs. In April, during what he dubbed “Liberation Day,” the administration unveiled sweeping import duties on goods from dozens of countries, with rates reaching as high as 50%. However, those plans were paused to allow for a 90-day negotiation window ending July 9.
During the interim period, a 10% tariff has been applied to most imports into the United States. So far, only the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and partially China have reached agreements with Washington. Talks continue with Japan and the European Union (EU), but progress has been slow.
Trump said on Sunday that letters would be sent to between 10 and 15 countries on Monday, informing them of the tariff rates they would face if no deals are reached. The EU, which was previously warned it could face up to 50% tariffs on certain exports, is reportedly considering a provisional agreement to maintain a 10% rate on most goods and is negotiating reductions in tariffs on cars and steel.
Japan has also come under pressure, with Trump last week threatening a 30% to 35% tariff if no deal is secured by Wednesday.
Despite mounting global criticism of the policy, Trump doubled down, telling reporters, “They’re going to be tariffs. The tariffs are going to be tariffs.”
