President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on the BRICS coalition of non-Western countries if they move away from trading using the U.S. dollar. The alliance consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with additional countries invited in 2023. While the idea of reducing the influence of the U.S. dollar in global trade gained steam at a 2023 summit, experts are skeptical that BRICS will succeed in creating its own currency due to member nations’ infighting and economic differences.
Trump also threatened to raise tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to address issues like the fentanyl crisis and drug trafficking. He met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss these issues and claimed Trudeau agreed to work with the U.S. to combat drug-related problems. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need for cooperation and mutual understanding instead of threats or tariffs to address migration and drug consumption issues.
In response to Trump’s threats, representatives for the BRICS countries’ embassies and the Mexican government expressed the need for cooperation rather than confrontational measures. Despite Trump’s stance on imposing tariffs, it remains unclear if these threats will lead to concrete actions or if dialogue and cooperation will prevail in addressing these complex issues.
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