President Trump escalated trade tensions Monday by threatening additional 10% tariffs on BRICS nations that criticized his unilateral trade measures. The threat came after the bloc’s leaders issued a joint statement at their Rio de Janeiro summit expressing “serious concerns” about rising tariff policies.
The BRICS threat represents a significant expansion of Trump’s trade war, potentially affecting relationships with major economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The president stated there would be “no exceptions” to the policy for countries aligning with what he termed “Anti-American policies.”
China responded swiftly to the threat, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that using tariffs as coercive tools serves no one’s interests. The Chinese response highlights the escalating nature of trade tensions and the potential for broader economic confrontation.
Meanwhile, the administration continued work on its primary tariff implementation plan, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick confirming that new rates would take effect August 1st. This timeline provides additional weeks for negotiations while maintaining pressure on trading partners to reach favorable agreements with the United States.