US Trade Warning: Trump Announces 10% Tariff Increase for Brics Nations

US President Donald Trump has announced a plan to add a 10% import tariff on goods from China, India, and other Brics nations. This follows criticism of his trade policies by the 11-member group during their recent summit in Brazil.

Trump’s Announcement

Trump declared, “Any country supporting the anti-American policies of Brics will face an extra 10% tariff. This policy will apply to all without exception.” His statement came after Brics leaders issued a joint statement. They described the US tariff system as “unfair,” “harmful,” and “unlawful.”

Understanding Brics

The Brics group consists of:

• China
• India
• Brazil
• Russia
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Indonesia

These countries represent nearly half of the world’s population. They also contribute to about 40% of the global economy. The group was initially a forum for fast-growing emerging markets. Now, it includes both US rivals like Iran and Russia, and US partners like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Responses and Notable Absences

Some US-aligned members tried to reduce the impact of the criticism by not naming Trump in the joint declaration. However, this did not ease tensions with the White House. Saudi Arabia, a major buyer of US weapons, even pulled its foreign minister from Sunday’s session and the official Brics “family photo.”

Tariff Deadline Approaches

Trump’s renewed tariff threat comes ahead of an August 1 deadline. By this date, the administration has asked for new trade deals from global partners. If not, they will face broad unilateral duties. The Brics nations are likely to face higher penalties.

The latest backlash also follows a Brics statement. They condemned US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. This move is seen as backing member state Iran amid rising Middle East tensions.

China Defends Brics Position

China rejected claims that the Brics platform was against the United States. “China has repeatedly stated that trade and tariff wars benefit no one. Protectionism is not the solution,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

“Brics is not aimed at any country,” Mao added. He described the bloc as an “important platform for cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries.”

The summit’s impact seemed lessened by the absence of key leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has attended every Brics summit for the past 12 years, missed this year’s event. Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted by the International Criminal Court over the Ukraine war, joined via video link.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Putin told Brics members that the group has become a “key player in global governance.” This highlights its growing importance in world politics.