U.S. President Donald Trump ignited international uproar on Sunday after vowing to slap punitive tariffs on countries aligned with the BRICS bloc, a group of emerging economies that has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to U.S.-led global economic structures.
The warning, issued in a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, stated: “Any country aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
The threat came just hours before the conclusion of the BRICS leaders’ summit in Rio de Janeiro and sent immediate shockwaves across the diplomatic landscape, especially among members and aspiring members of the bloc.
At a post-summit press conference, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, host of this year’s BRICS gathering, issued a blistering response, accusing Trump of behaving like a global emperor and warning that such economic intimidation was out of step with the current world order.
“I don’t think it’s very responsible and serious for a president … of a country the size of the U.S. to threaten the world over the internet – it’s not right,” Lula said. “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
Lula stressed that BRICS countries are sovereign and have the same right as the United States to determine their own trade policies and partnerships. “People need to understand that respect is good – we like to give it, and we like to get it in return,” he added.
BRICS as a Symbol of the Global South’s Rise
Trump’s tariff warning comes amid the bloc’s rapid expansion and growing influence. BRICS—originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has in 2025 expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, making the group a more potent coalition of economies outside the Western orbit.
Despite internal differences, the bloc used this year’s summit to present a united front, releasing a joint declaration denouncing “unilateralism, protectionism, and illegal military interventions.” While the statement did not explicitly name the United States, Trump interpreted it as a veiled attack on American interests.
In recent months, BRICS has gained momentum around efforts to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. The bloc has been encouraging trade in local currencies—a process widely viewed as the first step toward “de-dollarization.” This initiative, which Trump previously dismissed as futile, has now drawn his ire.
Earlier this year, he declared BRICS “dead” and warned of 100% tariffs against member countries should they persist in pursuing dollar alternatives.
While BRICS, as an organization, did not issue an official response to Trump’s statement, individual members responded cautiously but firmly.
China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that BRICS “is not a bloc for confrontation, nor does it target any country.” Spokeswoman Mao Ning added, “Trade war and tariff war have no winners, and protectionism leads nowhere.”
Russia’s presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s remarks had been “noticed,” according to Russian state media, but stopped short of offering detailed commentary.
The relative silence from the broader bloc reflects what analysts describe as a strategic effort not to escalate tensions unnecessarily — particularly as many BRICS members, including India, China, and Indonesia, are still engaged in active bilateral trade negotiations with the U.S.
Despite the muted institutional response, Lula suggested Trump’s rhetoric reflected anxiety over BRICS’ rising global profile.
“Some people are getting nervous because BRICS is growing stronger and giving a voice to the Global South,” Lula said.
In a symbolic show of unity, Lula hosted a group photo on Monday that featured not only the 10 full BRICS members but also UN Secretary-General António Guterres, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, and the presidents of Chile, Uruguay, Uganda, and Bolivia, all seen as sympathetic to BRICS or considering closer engagement.
Trump’s Words Stir Global South Calculations
According to Farwa Aamer of the Asia Society, Trump’s posture could complicate decisions for Global South countries weighing whether to align more closely with BRICS.
“Trump’s posture could deter some countries from joining any time soon, especially those looking to maintain stable ties with the U.S.,” Aamer said, adding that most would likely adopt a “wait-and-see approach” rather than engage in open confrontation.
Gustavo de Carvalho of the South African Institute of International Affairs agreed, noting that Trump’s threat “only becomes a real deterrent if the U.S. actually implements aggressive penalties.”
“BRICS members don’t want to be seen as anti-Western. They want to be seen as leading a non-Western alternative,” he said. “It’s about leverage. Trump’s threats give the U.S. room to negotiate better deals with countries that also engage with BRICS.”
Trump’s warning marks the latest flashpoint in the broader geopolitical contest between Washington and an emerging multipolar world. BRICS is increasingly seen not just as an economic bloc, but as a symbol of resistance to Western dominance, a role it continues to embrace — cautiously but deliberately.
