US President Donald Trump warns of no exceptions for sanctions targeting countries supporting BRICS' "anti-American policies".
President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries supporting policies against US interests initiated by the BRICS bloc. The warning was issued in a context where this bloc is promoting an alternative system to reduce dependence on the USD.
On the Truth Social platform, President Trump warned that there would be no exceptions to sanctions targeting countries supporting "BRICS' anti-American policies". The warning was issued as the BRICS bloc announced the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which contains many views considered to be directly aimed at Trump's trade policy.
In the declaration, BRICS member countries expressed concern about "the increase in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that not only distort trade but also violate World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations."
Instead of unilateral action, the BRICS countries affirmed that only the WTO has the authority, expertise, and capacity to lead multilateral discussions on international trade, including negotiating new trade rules. The declaration also emphasized the stance against imposing unilateral and secondary sanctions, and affirmed non-participation in sanctions not approved by the UN Security Council.
Washington's Ultimatum Policy
However, the BRICS joint declaration did not soften Trump's reaction, who had previously threatened to block US market access for countries intending to abandon the USD in international payments. "Any country supporting BRICS' anti-American policies will be subject to an additional 10% tariff. There are no exceptions to this policy," Trump stated.
Trump's new harsh warning to BRICS and any country seeking to join its growing influence was issued alongside the Trump administration's announcement of a plan to send detailed tax notification letters per country starting from July 7.
This move clearly shows the US administration's efforts to increase economic pressure, especially in the context of the upcoming July 9 deadline - the end of the 90-day tax suspension period - which could pave the way for new, higher tariffs.
The White House stated that these letters will clearly specify what countries "must pay" if they want to continue trading with the US without signing new agreements, representing an ultimatum-style approach to international trade: "either accept, or leave."
