Tensions between the United States and the BRICS bloc have escalated following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with what he describes as “Anti-American policies.” This move marks the second round of confrontations between Trump and the BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The President did not specify which policies he was targeting, but his previous threats to impose 100 percent tariffs if BRICS attempted to replace the US dollar as the dominant currency for international trade have already prompted these nations to explore alternative payment systems.

The BRICS nations responded swiftly to Trump’s latest tariff threat. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the move as “very mistaken and very irresponsible,” emphasizing that the world has changed and that BRICS countries are sovereign entities. He reiterated the bloc’s commitment to reducing dependence on the US dollar, indicating that efforts to select an alternative currency are underway.

China, engaged in its own tariff disputes with the US, offered a more measured response, stating that trade and tariff wars yield no winners and that protectionism is not a viable path forward. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Bolivian President Luis Arce also voiced their concerns. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the US of abusing its power in global trade.

During a two-day summit in Brazil, BRICS leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued a joint statement expressing serious concerns about unilateral tariff measures that distort trade and violate World Trade Organization rules. Although the statement did not directly mention Trump or the US, it was clearly aimed at addressing American trade policies.

The summit also highlighted geopolitical tensions involving Iran, now a full member of BRICS. The bloc condemned attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities by Israel and the US as violations of international law. Additionally, they expressed concern for Palestinians affected by Israeli actions in Gaza and condemned a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The growing influence of BRICS poses a challenge to traditional powers like the US. Established in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as founding members, South Africa joined in 2010. Recent expansions include Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, Iran, and Indonesia. The bloc’s increasing membership underscores its significance on the global stage as it seeks to assert itself against established Western powers.