Trump threatens extra 10% tariff on nations that side with Brics

Source: BBC | Original Published At: 2025-07-07 04:01:23 UTC

Key Points

• Trump threatens 10% additional tariffs on countries aligning with Brics
• Tariffs set to take effect on 1 August 2025
• EU faces potential 50% tariffs, considering provisional agreement
• Partial trade deals reached with UK, Vietnam, and China
• Japan faces potential 30-35% tariffs without agreement

Since taking office in January Trump has announced a series of import tariffs on goods from other countries, arguing they will boost American manufacturing and protect jobs.

In April, on what he called “Liberation Day”, he announced a wave of new taxes on goods from countries around the world – with some as high as 50% – although he quickly suspended his most aggressive plans to allow for three months of talks up until 9 July.

During this period, the US implemented a 10% tariff on goods entering the States from most of its international trading partners.

So far, the US has only struck trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam, as well as a partial deal with China.

However, Britain and America have still not reached a deal over taxes for UK steel imported by the US.

Asked whether the taxes would change on 9 July or 1 August, Trump said on Sunday: “They’re going to be tariffs, the tariffs are going to be tariffs.”

He added that between 10 and 15 letters would be sent to countries on Monday advising them on what their new tariff rate will be if they don’t agree a deal.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that the taxes will come into force on 1 August.

Last week, Trump said Japan could face a “30% or 35%” tariff if the country failed to reach a deal with the US by Wednesday.

The European Union (EU) was told in May that it faced taxes of 50% unless it reached an agreement with the US.

Reports emerged last week suggesting the EU was considering a provisional agreement to keep a 10% tariff in place for most goods. It is also in talks about reducing a 25% tariff on EU cars and parts and a 50% tax on steel and aluminium sales to the US.