Trump Warns BRICS Nations, Threatens 100% Tariffs
President-elect Donald Trump has delivered a stern warning to members of the BRICS coalition, which aims to challenge the U.S. Dollar’s dominance as the global reserve currency.
The BRICS group currently consists of nine nations but originates from five core members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The remaining members include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
On Saturday, Trump used his Truth Social platform to declare that any nation attempting to move away from the dollar would face severe economic repercussions, including 100% tariffs.
“The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER,” Trump stated. “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy. They can go find another ‘sucker!’ There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has wielded the threat of tariffs.
Last month, he announced plans to sign an executive order upon taking office to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. Trump has also vowed additional tariffs on China, citing the surge of illegal immigration and the trafficking of dangerous drugs.
In another Truth Social post, Trump, who assumes office on January 20, 2025, claimed that thousands of individuals were crossing through Mexico and Canada at unprecedented levels.
“Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border,” he wrote. “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.”
“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he added. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem.”
“And until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump emphasized.
Trump’s stance is consistent with his earlier administration's demands for Mexico to intensify efforts to curb the movement of illegal immigrants and narcotics into the U.S.
In response, Canadian officials reiterated the strength of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc issued a joint statement underscoring the importance of their trade and border collaboration.
“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border. Our relationship today is balanced and mutually beneficial, particularly for American workers,” the statement read. “Today, Canada buys more from the United States than China, Japan, France, and the UK combined. Canada is essential to US domestic energy supply, and last year 60 percent of US crude oil imports originated in Canada.”
They also highlighted joint efforts to combat the opioid crisis: “Law enforcement agencies from our respective countries—the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and US Customs and Border Protection—work together every single day to disrupt the scourge of the fentanyl coming from China and other countries.”
The CBSA, they noted, continues to enhance its ability to detect opioids through improved inspections, detector dogs, and advanced technologies to prevent the movement of these dangerous substances.