WANA (Jul 08) – In a bold and unified response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing steep tariffs on BRICS nations, leaders of the emerging economic bloc declared they would not succumb to American pressure. Speaking in firm and direct terms, BRICS officials emphasized their commitment to mutual cooperation and global trade fairness.

 

Trump recently announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on imports from BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members such as Egypt and Iran—unless they negotiate new trade deals favorable to the U.S.

 

He stated that messages had been sent to 15 countries warning them of the impending tariffs if they continued supporting BRICS or failed to enter new bilateral agreements.

 

“There will be no exceptions to the 10% tariff policy,” Trump said Sunday night, following the BRICS summit’s statement opposing U.S. unilateralism in global trade. “Any country backing BRICS will either agree to new trade terms or face heavy American tariffs.”

 

The move was swiftly condemned by BRICS members and their allies, who characterized Washington’s stance as protectionist and destabilizing.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Jul 06, 2025. Social media/WANA News Agency

Kremlin Responds: BRICS Is About Cooperation, Not Confrontation

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted strongly on Monday, emphasizing that BRICS is a platform for mutual benefit, not a geopolitical tool.

 

“BRICS has never been aimed at third parties, nor does it seek to provoke conflict,” Peskov stated. “It is founded on shared interests and values, and our goal remains peaceful cooperation and inclusive development.”

 

China: Tariff Wars Harm Global Progress

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement denouncing trade wars, saying “there are no winners in tariff battles.” Spokesperson Mao Ning described BRICS as a key platform for collaboration among emerging economies and developing nations.

 

“BRICS does not target any country and does not pursue confrontation,” she said. “It stands for open, fair, and balanced cooperation—the only viable path for global development.”

BRICS Issues Joint Statement Warning Against U.S. Trade Policies

Following a two-day summit in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders issued a joint communiqué late Sunday, warning that rising U.S. tariffs and non-tariff measures pose a threat to global trade and supply chains. They labeled such policies “illegal, arbitrary, and damaging to international commerce.”

 

“These actions erode trust, increase economic uncertainty, and endanger global growth,” the statement read.

 

BRICS Seeks Economic and Political Sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva struck a defiant tone in response to Trump’s rhetoric, asserting the sovereignty and independence of BRICS nations.

 

“We are independent countries, not subjects of any empire,” Lula said, underscoring BRICS’s broader mission. During the Rio Summit, representatives from 11 member states and 10 partner nations gathered to explore ways to deepen economic cooperation and push for reforms in global governance.