Donald Trump Warns India, China, and Brazil: “Tremendous Tariff-Makers”

US President Trump criticises BRICS nations for high tariffs, promising an “America First” policy to boost domestic manufacturing and deter foreign imports.

January 28, 2025: New Delhi:US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stern warning to India, China, and Brazil, calling them “tremendous tariff-makers” and vowing to impose tariffs that prioritize American interests. Speaking at a retreat for House Republicans in Florida, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to the “America First” agenda, stating, “We’re not going to let that happen any longer because we’re going to put America first.”

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The US President acknowledged the three nations—founding members of the BRICS bloc—were acting in their own best interests but accused them of policies harmful to the United States. “They mean us harm… but they basically want to make their country good,” Trump remarked.

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PM Modi Likely to Meet Trump

Trump’s comments coincided with reports that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Washington as early as next month. The two leaders spoke over the phone on Monday night, though it remains unclear if tariffs were discussed during the conversation. The discussion reportedly included India’s stance on illegal immigration, a topic of growing significance in US-India relations.

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Despite India being one of the US’s largest trading partners, Trump has repeatedly criticized the country, calling it a “very big abuser” of trade policies during his re-election campaign.

Economic Agenda Behind Tariff Policies

Trump reiterated his vision for an economic model that would tax foreign imports to benefit American workers and industries. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries… we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” he declared.

To avoid high tariffs, foreign companies—including those from India, China, and Brazil—would need to set up manufacturing plants in the United States. Trump also announced plans to impose tariffs on essential materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper to bolster domestic production for the American military.

“There was a time we made a ship a day. Now we can’t… We don’t know what the hell happened,” Trump said, calling for a revival of US manufacturing.

The BRICS Currency Debate

In addition to tariffs, Trump warned against BRICS nations considering alternatives to the US dollar as a common currency. He threatened “100 percent tariffs” to prevent such moves, which he views as a challenge to US economic dominance.

Colombia Tariffs as a Case Study

Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has already been tested in a recent clash with Colombia. When the South American nation refused to accept deported immigrants, Trump retaliated with 25 percent tariffs, forcing Colombian President Gustavo Petro to relent.

White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt hailed the outcome as a diplomatic win, declaring, “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again.” Trump echoed this sentiment, saying the Colombia case serves as a global example of America’s strength under his leadership.

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Donald Trump tariffs, India-China trade relations, BRICS economic policies, America First, trade wars, US-India relations, global manufacturing, US-China trade