On January 20, 2025, during his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to BRICS nations-Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa-regarding their efforts toward de-dollarization. He declared that any such initiatives would result in a 100% tariff on trade with the United States.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump stated, "As a BRICS nation... they'll have a 100 percent tariff if they so much as even think about doing what they thought, and therefore they'll give it up immediately." He emphasized that this was not merely a threat but a definitive stance on the issue.
This declaration responds to ongoing efforts by BRICS members to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in global trade. Notably, during the 2023 BRICS Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin advocated for de-dollarization and the increased use of local currencies among member countries.
President Trump's remarks underscore a firm U.S. position against de-dollarization, indicating potential economic repercussions for nations pursuing such policies.