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TWN
Info Service on WTO and Trade Issues (Jul25/06) Geneva, 8 Jul (D. Ravi Kanth) — The strong language in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration against “unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures”, issued by the BRICS countries at their XVII BRICS Summit, has seemingly enraged United States President Donald Trump. In paragraph 13 of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, the BRICS Leaders voiced serious concerns about “the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.” (See separate story). On 6 July, President Trump threatened the BRICS countries with an additional 10% tariff on their goods entering the US market. Writing on his Truth Social website, President Trump said that “any Country aligning themselves with the Anti- American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The seemingly endless threats by President Trump have caused alarm and a strong response from the BRICS countries. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Ms Mao Ning, on 7 July said that BRICS focuses on openness and win-win cooperation, adding that the group is not targeting any country. Commenting on President Trump’s threat at a press briefing, Ms Mao said that “the BRICS mechanism is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries; it advocates openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and does not target any country.” Regarding the imposition of tariffs, China has repeatedly clarified its position that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and that protectionism leads nowhere, Ms Mao said. The Chinese spokesperson further clarified that “as for tariffs, we have always opposed tariff wars and trade wars, and opposed using tariffs as a tool of coercion and pressure. Imposing tariffs arbitrarily is not in the interests of any party.” +
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