China opposes Trump’s 10% tariff threat on BRICS supporters, calls for cooperation not coercion

Beijing responded sharply on July 7 to US President Donald Trump’s announcement that any country aligning with BRICS’ "anti‑American policies" will face an additional 10% tariff. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “The use of tariffs serves no one,” emphasizing that trade wars create no winners.

Mao spoke at a daily press briefing, reiterating China’s stance that BRICS—a bloc including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recent additions like Egypt, UAE, Indonesia, Iran, and Ethiopia—“is not seeking confrontation” but aims to promote multilateralism, inclusivity, and win‑win cooperation.

Trump first unveiled a base tariff of 10% in April, potentially rising to 70% unless trade deals are struck by mid‑July.

Hours before the BRICS summit in Rio, he posted on Truth Social: “Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti‑American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff."

At the summit, BRICS leaders criticized unilateral tariffs, calling them distortions of global trade and warnings against non‑tariff barriers.

Brazil’s President Lula said BRICS represents over half the global population and a growing share of world GDP .

The announcement caused immediate market turbulence: Asia‑Pacific shares declined, the Indian rupee weakened, and Wall Street futures dropped.

Analysts warn that coupling base tariffs with an additional 10% surcharge could stoke global inflation, slow growth, and disrupt trade ties—especially with India, China, and other BRICS nations that rely on US markets.

China has called for renewed Beijing–Washington dialogue, urging the US to avoid coercive tactics and preserve trade stability.

Its commerce ministry said it remains open to cooperation but warned that hitting the “hard-won consensus” with tariffs would undermine trust.