Trump Threatens BRICS with 10% Tariff, Says Bloc Would “End Quickly If It Ever Forms”

Washington, July 19, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday intensified his rhetoric against the BRICS group, warning of a 10% tariff on all imports from its member nations and dismissing the alliance as a threat to American interests.

Speaking to reporters, Trump repeated his earlier threat, stating, “When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly.” He did not name specific countries but signaled clear opposition to the bloc’s increasing global influence.

The BRICS group originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa expanded last year to include Iran and Indonesia, among others. Trump has accused the alliance of aligning with what he calls “Anti-American policies” and undermining the U.S. dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency.

Trump first announced the 10% tariff on July 6, targeting nations he sees as supporting BRICS’s agenda. On Friday, he reaffirmed his position, stating, “We can never let anyone play games with us.”

In addition to trade barriers, Trump reiterated his commitment to defending the dollar’s global dominance. He also ruled out the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the United States, declaring, “We will never allow a central bank digital currency. Not under my leadership.”

The BRICS group, while denying any anti-American intent, has been pushing for alternative financial frameworks. Though Brazil scrapped a proposal for a common currency earlier this year, the group continues to develop BRICS Pay, a cross-border payment system aimed at easing trade in local currencies and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.

BRICS leaders have stressed the group’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, especially amid the fracturing of traditional forums like the G7 and G20, where divisions have grown under Trump’s “America First” policies.

During its recent summit hosted by Brazil, BRICS nations issued veiled criticism of U.S. trade and military actions. Following that, Trump took further action against Brazil, announcing a steep 50% tariff on Brazilian imports effective August and launching a probe into what Washington labeled “unfair” trade practices by Brasília.

The escalating tensions mark a broader shift in global economic alliances, with BRICS positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions, while the U.S. sharpens its stance on economic sovereignty and global influence.