"Wrong and Irresponsible": Global Reactions to Trump’s Threats Against BRICS

Recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all countries aligned with BRICS policies have drawn strong criticism not only from members of the bloc but also from other nations and even the United Nations.

Trump made the remarks during the BRICS annual summit, held June 6 and 7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The gathering of the 11 major emerging economies reaffirmed their strategy to strengthen the use of local currencies, advance the development of an independent payment system, and launch a Multilateral Guarantee Fund to attract investment without relying on the U.S. dollar.

In a joint declaration, representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia expressed "deep concern over the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules."

They emphasized that "the multilateral trading system has long been at a crossroads." The statement warned that "the proliferation of trade-restrictive measures, whether through indiscriminate tariff hikes or non-tariff barriers, or under the guise of environmental goals, threatens to further shrink global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and inject uncertainty into international economic and commercial activity, which could worsen existing economic disparities and harm global development prospects."

“We’re Doing Everything Right”

The Kremlin emphasized that BRICS cooperation has never been, and will never be, aimed at targeting third countries. “What matters is that BRICS is unique in uniting countries that share common approaches and worldviews,” said Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking from Rio, stated that Trump’s comments signal the end of the globalization model the U.S. championed under neoliberalism for decades. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed that sentiment, noting BRICS’ growing influence despite U.S. threats. “Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on any country supporting BRICS policies. So we’re clearly doing everything right,” he wrote on social media.

“Incorrect and Very Irresponsible”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the U.S. president’s threats “irresponsible and unserious.” He stressed that “each nation owns its destiny” and said Trump must understand that “the world has changed” and does not want “an emperor.”

“We are sovereign nations. If he believes he can impose tariffs, other countries also have the right to respond. There is a principle of reciprocity,” Lula stated during a press conference at the summit.

Celso Amorim, special advisor to President Lula, warned that the U.S. would be “shooting itself in the foot” by applying more tariffs on Brazil. “Constantly playing the tariff threat card will backfire. Other countries will seek alternatives and negotiate among themselves,” he told CNN. “I believe even the U.S. president, who has a certain pragmatism, will eventually realize this is not the best path.”

“Not a Confrontational Bloc”

China’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that BRICS is not a bloc aimed at confrontation or targeting any nation. “BRICS is a vital platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing nations. It promotes openness, inclusion, and mutually beneficial collaboration,” said spokesperson Mao Ning.

“Regarding the U.S. tariff hikes, China has consistently stated that trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism leads nowhere,” she added.

“The Powerful Should Not Retaliate”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Trump’s statements as “truly disappointing.” He criticized the impulse to punish countries engaging in positive cooperation. “It should not be the case,” he told reporters in Rio. “The emergence of various centers of global power must be welcomed, not feared.”

Ramaphosa added, “It is unacceptable that the powerful seek retaliation against those trying to do good in the world.”

“A Diverse and Heterogeneous Group”

Other nations also rejected Trump’s remarks, including Mexico and Chile, which were invited to attend the BRICS summit.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that international relations must be based on cooperation for development. “That has always been Mexico’s position,” she said at a press briefing. She added that Mexico seeks partnerships with all nations, a principle enshrined in its Constitution.

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said Chile defines its foreign policy independently. “We are a sovereign country. That has always been our stance, and we see no reason to change it,” he said. He clarified that Chile’s participation in the BRICS summit was as an invited guest, not an alignment.

“BRICS is far more diverse and heterogeneous than many assume. Some portray it as a kind of ‘axis of evil’ made up of defiant nations, but in reality, it is a highly varied group,” he added.

“No One Wins in a Trade War”

The United Nations also weighed in on Trump’s threats. “Our core position is clear, and the Secretary-General [António Guterres] has said it plainly: in a trade war, no one wins,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a press briefing.

Trump’s Threats

On Sunday, President Trump declared, “Any country aligning with the anti-American policies of BRICS will face an additional 10 percent tariff, with no exceptions.”

Unlike his broader April tariff package — which included a 10 percent base rate and threats to raise duties to 70 percent for countries lacking trade agreements with the U.S. — this latest move targets BRICS specifically as a measure to curb its growing global influence.