Trump Threatens Tariffs on BRICS Imports

Brazil’s president voices his disagreement following trade policy criticism.

As tensions rise, **President Donald Trump** announced the U.S. would “pretty soon” impose a 10% tariff on imports from BRICS nations, sparking criticism from **Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva**. The announcement follows the BRICS summit hosted by **Lula** in Rio de Janeiro.

Key Development

During a Tuesday Cabinet meeting at the White House, **Trump** stated the tariff was imminent: “Anybody that’s in BRICS is getting a 10 per cent charge pretty soon … If they’re a member of BRICS, they’re going to have to pay a 10 per cent tariff … and they won’t be a member long.” This follows **Trump** raising the tariff threat on Sunday.

According to the World Trade Organization, the average applied tariff rate globally is 9.1% (WTO, 2023).

BRICS Summit Fallout

The BRICS group, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded last year to include countries like Iran and Indonesia. Leaders at the summit indirectly criticized US military and trade strategies.

Questioned about **Trump’s** tariff threat, **Lula** told journalists that the world “does not want an emperor.” He further voiced his opposition after a state visit from Indian Prime Minister **Narendra Modi**.