Trump Is Pushing the World Away. Fast.
Trump has ruled for 200 days. In that time, he’s gone to war with almost every major economy not called America.
He hit India with a 50% tariff for buying Russian oil.
He punished Brazil for prosecuting Bolsonaro.
He slapped South Africa for not bowing during a phone call.
And yet, he still plans to meet Putin next week.
This isn’t foreign policy. It’s economic sabotage.
But instead of breaking BRICS, Trump might be forcing them to unite.
1. Tariffs as Political Weapons
This isn’t about trade deficits or job creation. This is about power. Trump is using tariffs like military strikes.
India: Hit with a 50% tariff hike after importing 1.96 million barrels/day of Russian oil.
Brazil: Punished despite the U.S. holding a $3.7 billion trade surplus with them.
South Africa: Slapped with a 30% tariff the day after a phone call with President Ramaphosa, after Trump accused them of “white land seizures.”
These countries aren’t economic threats. They’re BRICS members.
2. Global Supply Chains Under Fire
Trump isn’t just hurting rivals. He’s gutting his own supply lines.
Philippines: Electronics make up 53.4% of its exports. In 2023, that totaled $390.9 billion. Trump now wants a 100% tariff on imported chips.
India: Supplies 40% of U.S. generic drugs. Trump plans to raise tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals to 250% over 18 months.
Even allies are panicking.
3. BRICS Nations Aren’t Rolling Over
The backlash is building. Quietly, but with purpose.
Putin confirmed a visit to India ahead of the September SCO summit.
India-Russia trade surged to $65 billion in 2024.
Modi is heading to China for the first time in 7 years.
Brazil’s President Lula called Modi to talk “people-centered” Global South strategy.
South Africa resumed strategic talks with Russia after U.S. tariffs dropped.
4. Even U.S. Allies Are Getting Mugged
Japan and the EU pledged over $1.2 trillion in investments to stay on Trump’s good side.
Japan: $550 billion in investment commitments.
EU: €600 billion ($660 billion) in climate and digital tech.
Trump’s response?
Said it’s “America’s money now.”
Accused The Wall Street Journal of being “China-centered.”
Claimed European and Japanese investors are “lucky” to be allowed in.
By the Numbers – Key Targets of Trump’s Tariff War
India
Tariffs: +50% on general goods, up to 250% proposed on pharmaceuticals
Affected Sector: Oil, Pharmaceuticals
BRICS Member: Yes
Brazil
Tariffs: +50% on agriculture and metals
Affected Sector: Soy, Aluminum
BRICS Member: Yes
South Africa
Tariffs: +30% equalization tax
Affected Sector: Wine, Minerals
BRICS Member: Yes
Philippines
Tariffs: 100% proposed on semiconductors
Affected Sector: Electronics
BRICS Member: No
EU
Tariffs: None yet, but under threat
Affected Sector: Automotive, Green Tech
BRICS Member: No
Japan
Tariffs: None yet, but investment treated as leverage
Affected Sector: Automotive, High-Tech
BRICS Member: No
What Comes Next?
Trump thinks he’s in control.
He’s not.
He’s isolating the U.S. at record speed.
He’s forcing every country to reconsider their dependency.
He’s telling the world that investing in America is a gamble, not a deal.
And the world is listening.
Multipolarity isn’t an idea anymore. It’s a defense strategy.
What happens when the rest of the world stops caring what the U.S. wants?
