Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
In a controversial statement, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on trade between the United States and BRICS nations. This announcement came during his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, where he signed a series of executive orders reflecting his new political agenda. These remarks mark a significant escalation in US trade policy, directly targeting global economic alliances like BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Trump Announces Strict Trade Measures:
After taking the oath of office, Trump headed to the White House, where he declared his intention to impose steep tariffs on BRICS nations. He stated, “We will impose tariffs of at least 100% on the business they conduct with the United States. You know what BRICS is, right? You know.”
Trump added that he had previously warned of this move, emphasizing that he would not leave BRICS nations with any choice but to comply with his terms. However, he made a notable error by referring to Spain as a member of BRICS, raising questions about the accuracy of his information.
Similar Threats to the European Union:
Trump’s threats were not limited to BRICS nations. He also warned the European Union of potential tariffs if member states did not increase their purchases of American oil and gas. This move aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to boost US exports and reduce the trade deficit with European allies.
International Reactions:
In response to Trump’s remarks, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, expressed confidence in the strength of the BRICS alliance and its ability to withstand US pressure. Tolchenov stated, “BRICS is a strong organization and will not be swayed by Trump’s threats. Decisions regarding the creation of new currencies or cross-border payments are internal matters for member states.”
The Russian diplomat emphasized that BRICS nations have the capacity to collaborate independently without relying on the United States, highlighting the growing confidence in alternative economic alliances.
Implications of Trump’s Threats:
Trump’s proposal to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations could lead to significant economic and political tensions globally. This move may deepen the divide between the United States and its traditional allies while strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries to counter American pressure.
BRICS nations are expected to explore countermeasures, including enhancing economic collaboration and potentially seeking alternatives to the US dollar in trade transactions. Additionally, these threats may prompt other countries to reassess their trade relationships with the United States.
