Brics nations resist ‘anti-American’ label after Trump tariff threat

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Leaders of the BRICS group pose for the family photo during the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil July 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

RIO DE JANEIRO - Developing nations participating in the BRICS summit on Monday brushed away an accusation from U.S. President Donald Trump that the bloc is anti-American, as he threatened them with additional 10% tariffs.

Trumps threat on Sunday night came as the U.S. government prepared to finalize dozens of trade deals with a range of countries before his July 9 deadline for the imposition of significant retaliatory tariffs.

Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressuring, Mao Ning, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in Beijing. The BRICS advocates for win-win cooperation, she added, and does not target any country.

South Africa, which was slapped with 30% tariffs that were later suspended pending trade talks, reaffirmed that it is not anti-American, trade ministry spokesman Kaamil Alli said, adding that talks with the U.S. government remain constructive and fruitful.

A Kremlin spokesman said Russias cooperation with the BRICS was based on a common world view and will never be directed against third countries.

India and Brazil, which is hosting the BRICS gathering, did not immediately provide an official response to Trump.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told reporters that he would only comment after wrapping up the summit. His opening remarks to BRICS leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Monday focused on the environmental and public health issues on the summits official agenda.

A Brazilian