Developing nations attending the BRICS summit on Monday dismissed a claim by US President Donald Trump that the bloc was “anti-American,” following his threat to impose fresh 10% tariffs on member countries.
Trump’s warning, issued late Sunday, came as Washington prepared to conclude a series of trade deals ahead of a July 9 deadline for the implementation of broad “retaliatory tariffs.”
“Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressuring,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing. She added that the BRICS group promotes “win-win cooperation” and “does not target any country.”
South Africa, which previously faced 30% tariffs later suspended during trade talks, also rejected the label. “We are not anti-American,” said Kaamil Alli, a spokesperson for the trade ministry. He noted that discussions with the US remained “constructive and fruitful.”
Russia’s position was echoed by the Kremlin, with a spokesperson stating that BRICS collaboration was based on a “common world view” and “will never be directed against third countries.”
India and Brazil, which is hosting this year’s BRICS summit, did not immediately respond to Trump’s remarks. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declined to comment directly, telling reporters he would speak after the summit concluded. In his opening remarks, he focused on the summit’s official agenda, which prioritised environmental and public health issues.
A senior Brazilian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump’s threats highlighted the importance of BRICS as a platform for developing countries to advocate for fairer and more effective global trade rules.
Many BRICS nations—and several partner states—remain significantly reliant on trade with the US.
Indonesia’s senior economic minister, Airlangga Hartarto, who is attending the summit as a representative of one of the group’s newest members, was expected to travel to the US on Monday to participate in tariff discussions, according to officials.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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