Trump warns BRICS with tariffs due to ‘anti-US’ agenda

2025-08-02 02:48:27

(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on BRICS nations, accusing the group of pursuing policies that harm American interests. Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, Trump claimed BRICS is attempting to weaken the U.S. dollar and challenge its global reserve currency status.

“They have BRICS, which is basically anti-American,” Trump said. “Even India is part of it, can you believe that? It’s an attack on the dollar, and we won’t let it stand.”

Trump had previously warned that any attempt by BRICS to undermine the dollar would trigger severe economic retaliation. In response to his latest sanctions, countries like India and Brazil have pledged to defend their national interests.

As part of this new push, Trump announced that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Friday, citing both India’s trade ties with Russia and its BRICS membership. He also pointed to the sizable U.S. trade deficit with New Delhi as justification for the move.

In addition, Trump declared a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1. He labeled Brazil a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the economy.

BRICS, originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded to include South Africa in 2010. In recent years, the group has grown further, admitting Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Indonesia, and partnering with countries such as Belarus, Cuba, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that BRICS members are working to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar to protect themselves from American political pressure, calling the process “irreversible.” According to Russia’s Finance Ministry, national currencies now account for 65% of BRICS trade, while the dollar and euro have dropped below 30%.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that BRICS is not trying to rival the U.S., but warned that threats and coercion are not acceptable ways to engage with the group.

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