U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a stark warning to BRICS member states, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on their exports to the United States. The threat came in response to ongoing discussions among BRICS nations about establishing a new reserve currency to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

Speaking through his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his hardline stance on maintaining the U.S. dollar’s supremacy in global trade.

“We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile 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,” Trump posted.

“There is no chance that BRICS will replace the U.S. dollar in international trade, or anywhere else, and any country that tries should say hello to tariffs, and goodbye to America!”

This latest statement marks a continuation of Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on the matter, following similar comments made shortly after his victory in the November 2024 presidential elections. His administration has repeatedly signaled a hardline approach to economic issues, particularly concerning threats to the global financial influence of the United States.

Trump’s threat underscores the administration’s unease with the growing influence of BRICS, an economic bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group, which recently expanded to include Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, represents nearly half of the world’s population and a significant portion of the global economy.

BRICS’ Push for a New Reserve Currency

Initially formed in 2009 as a counterweight to Western economic dominance, BRICS has long discussed the possibility of introducing an alternative reserve currency. While these discussions have remained largely theoretical in the past, the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the bloc’s interest in reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar.

China and Russia, in particular, have been vocal advocates for creating a BRICS-backed currency to facilitate international trade without relying on the dollar. This ambition has gained traction among other BRICS members as a way to mitigate the risks associated with U.S. economic influence.

Economists have noted that a shift away from the dollar, while challenging and unlikely in the short term, could have long-term implications for U.S. global financial dominance.

The Dollar’s Resilience

Despite BRICS’ intentions, the U.S. dollar remains the world’s primary reserve currency, with most international transactions conducted in dollars. Its role as a trusted store of value, coupled with the vast liquidity of U.S. financial markets, has made it indispensable for global trade and investment.

Trump’s latest threats are seen as a preemptive strike to protect this status.

The prospect of 100% tariffs on BRICS exports has sparked concerns among global trade experts. Such a move could lead to significant disruptions in international trade, escalate tensions between the U.S. and key emerging economies, and contribute to inflationary pressures.

BRICS nations collectively account for a significant share of global exports, particularly in commodities such as oil, agricultural products, and industrial goods. Imposing steep tariffs on these goods could have far-reaching consequences for both the U.S. and global markets.

North American Trade Partners Also Targeted

In a separate but related announcement, Trump revealed that his administration would impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting Saturday. However, he indicated that he was still deliberating whether to include oil imports from the two countries.

“We may or may not [include oil],” Trump told reporters during a press briefing at the Oval Office on Thursday.

The decision, he explained, hinges on whether oil prices charged by Washington’s two North American trade partners are deemed “fair.” Trump also cited concerns about illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl as factors influencing the decision.

Fentanyl Crisis Drives Policy Decisions

The fentanyl epidemic has become a central issue for the Trump administration. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, have been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. in recent years. Trump has frequently blamed Mexico and, to a lesser extent, Canada for failing to prevent the smuggling of precursor chemicals used to produce the deadly drug.

“We have to stop the poison pouring into our country. These tariffs are about fairness — on trade, and on stopping the flood of death caused by fentanyl,” Trump declared.

Analysts warn that the imposition of tariffs on BRICS nations, Canada, and Mexico could trigger retaliatory measures, leading to a full-scale trade war. This would likely disrupt supply chains, increase costs for American consumers, and strain diplomatic relations.

“If President Trump follows through on these threats, we could see a significant realignment of global trade relationships,” said Dr. Maria Santos, an international trade expert at Georgetown University. “Countries affected by these tariffs may seek to deepen their ties with each other, further accelerating the push away from the dollar.”

What’s Next for BRICS?

So far, BRICS leaders have not issued an official response to Trump’s threats. However, sources within the bloc indicate that discussions about a new reserve currency are likely to continue, regardless of U.S. pressure.

India’s Finance Minister, Priya Mehta, recently stated that the group remains committed to exploring alternatives to the dollar to foster greater economic independence.

“Our goal is not to antagonize anyone, but to strengthen our collective economic resilience,” Mehta said at a recent BRICS summit.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Trump’s latest threats underscore the high stakes involved in maintaining U.S. economic dominance. The confrontation between the U.S. and BRICS nations over currency and trade policy is poised to become one of the defining issues of Trump’s new term in office.

Whether Trump’s tariff threats will deter BRICS from pursuing an alternative reserve currency remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear: the global economic order is entering a period of profound uncertainty and transformation.