The Trump administration is not expected to immediately impose a 10% tariff on Brics nations, despite earlier threats from President Donald Trump warning of trade penalties for countries embracing “anti-American policies”. According to a source familiar with the matter, cited by Reuters, the administration will reserve the option to activate the additional tariff only if specific nations within the bloc take steps seen as directly hostile to US interests.Also read: Trump releases tariff letters: Japan, Korea to face 25% US duties from August 1“A line is being drawn. If policy decisions are made that are anti-American, then the tariff will be charged,” the source told Reuters.The President’s warning came late Sunday on Truth Social, amid tense negotiations between the US and several Brics nations ahead of a July 9 deadline, when earlier tariff waivers are set to expire. India and Indonesia, both Brics members, are reportedly involved in last-minute efforts to reach trade deals before that date.“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of Brics will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff,” Trump posted. “There will be no exceptions to this policy.”

The comments have sparked strong international responses. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the tariff threat as “disappointing,” arguing Brics is not aimed at undermining any other country. “There should never be vengeance… against countries that are seeking to cooperate together,” he said during an interview with South Africa’s SABC.In a joint statement released at the Rio de Janeiro summit, Brics finance ministers and central bank governors criticised the unilateral imposition of tariffs and trade measures. The bloc expressed concern over practices that “distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” pledging to uphold a “rules-based multilateral trading system.”