In a move that is likely to intensify an already fragile global trade environment, US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to members and affiliates of the BRICS economic bloc, threatening an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligns itself with what he termed “anti-American policies.” The statement, posted on his Truth Social account on July 7, came just hours after BRICS leaders concluded their annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, where they openly criticized unilateral trade actions and indiscriminate tariff regimes-comments widely understood to be directed at Washington.

“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump wrote, triggering swift reactions from diplomats and economic analysts across the globe.

The BRICS bloc-comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recent additions such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia-has emerged as a powerful counterweight to Western economic alliances like the G7. The group now accounts for nearly half of the global population and around 40% of global GDP when measured by purchasing power parity.

Speaking during the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the bloc’s growing economic clout, noting that BRICS’ collective GDP has surpassed that of the G7 on PPP metrics. The group’s expansion and ambitions-such as de-dollarizing trade and potentially creating a joint currency-have rattled Washington, where........

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