Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on BRICS Members After Anti-U.S. Declaration at 2025 Summit

In a sharp escalation of tensions between the United States and the BRICS alliance, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he will impose an additional 10% tariff on any BRICS member that acts “aggressively” against American interests. The threat comes in response to a strongly worded joint declaration issued at the recent BRICS 2025 Summit held in Brazil.

BRICS Condemns U.S. and Israeli Actions Against Iran

The ten-member BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—unanimously condemned U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, calling the attacks “illegal” and destabilizing. The summit declaration stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and international law.

Modi Slams Global Hypocrisy on Terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the summit, strongly criticized the global community’s inconsistent stance on terrorism. Modi argued that terrorism affecting the Global South is often overlooked and warned against applying double standards. “We cannot fight terrorism selectively,” he said, urging global unity in tackling cross-border extremism. His remarks were reflected in the final joint statement.

Pahalgam Attack Draws Condemnation

The BRICS declaration also condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling for decisive action against cross-border terrorism. Without naming any specific country, the group emphasized that terrorism should be confronted comprehensively and without exception, a statement seen as an indirect rebuke to Pakistan.

Indirect Swipe at U.S. Tariff Policies

While the declaration avoided naming the United States directly, it criticized unilateral tariff increases that jeopardize global trade stability and threaten supply chains. This is widely interpreted as a response to past U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese and Indian imports. The statement underscores BRICS’ commitment to multilateralism and fair trade practices.

Rising Tensions Between BRICS and the U.S.

President Trump’s tariff threat is the latest signal of deepening rifts between Washington and the BRICS bloc. His specific mention of Brazil and Argentina, both of which are seeking stronger roles in global economic governance, indicates rising unease within the Western camp over BRICS’ growing influence.

The BRICS members, meanwhile, are pressing for a more inclusive and multilateral economic order, pushing back against what they describe as unilateral and protectionist U.S. policies.

A New Geopolitical Divide?

The 2025 BRICS Summit has highlighted an emerging geopolitical divide. While BRICS calls for cooperative global governance and equitable economic policies, Washington’s response has been marked by punitive threats and defensive rhetoric. As the U.S. doubles down on tariffs and strategic pressure, the BRICS bloc appears increasingly united in challenging Western dominance.