Tensions are rising on the global economic stage as China has come out in defence of the BRICS alliance, saying the group is not seeking confrontation, following threats by former United States President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on countries aligning with the bloc. Meanwhile, the African Union (AU) is responding with a strategic push to present a unified trade proposal under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Trump, who is once again a major figure in U.S. politics, announced that any country supporting policies of the BRICS alliance that oppose U.S. interests will face a 10 per cent tariff on all trade. This warning came shortly after he introduced a 25 per cent tariff on imports from key allies Japan and South Korea, citing ongoing trade imbalances.
BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded in recent years to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Nigeria joined the bloc as a partner country in January 2025, alongside other nations like Belarus, Bolivia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Cuba.
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for BRICS, calling for inclusive and fair global governance that benefits all developing nations. Tinubu, who was invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, urged for urgent reforms in the global financial and healthcare systems, advocating equity and justice for African countries.
However, Tinubu’s stance and Nigeria’s growing relationship with BRICS may now trigger economic retaliation from the U.S., as Trump reiterated his position on social media, saying: “Any country aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an additional 10 per cent tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
Despite the threats, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, said BRICS is not about rivalry. “It advocates openness, inclusivity and win-win cooperation. It does not engage in camp confrontation and is not targeted at any country,” she said. She further stressed that trade wars and protectionism are counterproductive.
Trump, meanwhile, declared an “economic emergency” to justify the unilateral trade measures and said the first batch of tariff letters had already been dispatched to Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung. He warned that any increase in tariffs by affected nations would attract an automatic top-up on the already-imposed 25 per cent duty.
In reaction to Washington’s aggressive posture, the African Union is adopting a collective response by consolidating Africa’s trade interests under the AfCFTA Secretariat. The AU’s move is aimed at rejecting unilateral U.S. penalties such as visa bans, aid cuts, and import tariffs, which many African leaders now see as undermining years of diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasised that Africa must act with one voice to safeguard its interests in global trade. He described the AU’s strategy as a bold step towards strengthening Africa’s position in negotiations with major economies.
AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, also highlighted the significance of the trade bloc, which now covers 54 African nations and represents a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. Mene said the agreement will play a critical role in advancing industrialisation and securing fairer trade terms for the continent.
The AU’s proposal is being seen as a direct counter to the U.S. shift toward bilateral trade pacts, with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire in September 2025. AGOA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Africa trade relations, and African leaders now see this moment as critical to renegotiating the deal on better, more balanced terms.
Although some African countries such as Kenya and South Africa may be pressured to strike independent deals with Washington due to their trade exposure, the general sentiment remains strong for continental unity under the AU framework.
China has already responded by offering African countries zero-tariff access to its markets, presenting itself as a reliable alternative amid America’s unpredictable trade policies. At the same time, the U.S. plans to host a US-Africa Summit later this year, where these tensions and trade priorities are expected to take centre stage.
As global trade dynamics continue to shift, Africa finds itself at the crossroads of competing geopolitical interests. While the BRICS group promotes multipolar cooperation, the U.S. seems to be tightening its economic grip on trade partners. What Africa decides in the coming months may shape its economic future for decades to come.
