American Economist Warns BRICS on Trump’s 50% Tariffs Targeting India
Global trade is bracing for fresh uncertainty as former U.S. President Donald Trump signals a return to aggressive tariff policies. His proposal to impose a crippling 50% tariff on Indian exports has drawn sharp reactions worldwide. A prominent American economist warns that the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are at risk, highlighting the potential dangers this move poses to India’s economy, global supply chains, and the broader international trading system.
This development could push India closer to its BRICS partners, accelerating the shift toward a new multipolar world order.
The Unintended Consequences of Trump’s Tariffs
Trump’s 50% tariffs on India are designed to reduce U.S. trade deficits and pressure India on issues like energy imports from Russia. However, experts believe this strategy could backfire:
- Impact on Labor-Intensive Sectors – Indian industries like textiles, gems, jewelry, and leather goods could suffer, threatening millions of jobs.
- Rising Costs for U.S. Consumers—Tariffs typically raise import prices, which may hurt American buyers in the long run.
- Weakened India-U.S. Relations— Such economic pressure risks straining ties between the two major democracies.
Instead of weakening India, these tariffs may push New Delhi to deepen its ties with BRICS and diversify its global partnerships.
Why BRICS Could Benefit from Trump’s Trade War
The BRICS economic strategy has long focused on reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar and Western-dominated trade institutions. According to the American economist, Trump’s tariff plan is a “hot house” for BRICS growth, offering several opportunities:
- Increased Intra-BRICS Trade – With reduced access to the U.S. market, India’s exports could shift toward BRICS partners, strengthening trade integration.
- Alternative Payment Systems—Tariff threats accelerate the use of local currencies for trade, directly challenging U.S. dollar dominance.
- Political Unity—Facing common economic pressure, BRICS nations may unite more strongly against unilateral U.S. trade measures.
This could transform BRICS into a more integrated and successful economic alternative to the West.
