WASHINGTON, July 31, 2025 — President Donald Trump has confirmed a new round of economic measures targeting BRICS nations, accusing them of actively attempting to undermine the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s primary reserve currency. The statement, delivered on July 30 during a White House briefing, signals a continuation of Trump’s assertive foreign economic policy aimed at safeguarding American monetary dominance and global leadership.
“They’re playing an aggressive game against the dollar. This is a matter of national security,” Trump declared, emphasizing that his administration will not stand by while countries coordinate efforts to challenge the post-World War II economic order.
Tariffs as a Deterrent
While full details of the proposed tariffs are still under review, the administration has already announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports starting August 1, in direct response to India’s continued purchases of Russian energy despite ongoing sanctions. This move marks the first concrete action by Washington against the growing energy alliance between New Delhi and Moscow, which many experts see as strategically destabilizing.
Next in line are China, Brazil, and South Africa. Washington is weighing sector-specific tariffs targeting metallurgy, IT, and agriculture—especially against companies involved in newly proposed payment systems that bypass SWIFT.
The Global Context
Trump’s announcement coincides with increased BRICS efforts toward de-dollarization. In June 2025, the bloc unveiled a roadmap for conducting trade in national currencies and began discussions on a digital currency platform that could potentially rival Western financial institutions.
However, attempts by countries like Russia and China to launch a credible alternative to the dollar have so far yielded limited results. The yuan still faces trust issues in global markets, and the Russian ruble has lost over 3% in recent weeks amid expectations of further U.S. tariffs and sanctions.
Reaction and Outlook
Though BRICS countries have yet to issue official responses, diplomatic sources indicate rising tensions—particularly between Washington and Beijing—over potential trade escalations. Meanwhile, both the EU and Japan have voiced support for U.S. efforts to protect the integrity of the international financial system and promote transparency in global commerce.
Western analysts see the U.S. moves not only as a defense of the dollar but also as a strategic counter to authoritarian regimes attempting to reshape global trade and finance rules to their advantage.
