BRICS leaders criticize Trump tariffs, attacks on Iran
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BRICS leaders issue joint declaration condemning rising tariffs and global instability amid mounting U.S. pressure.
BRICS Leaders Condemn Tariffs, Escalations in Iran, but Avoid Naming Trump
Summit Overshadowed by Geopolitical Tensions and Key Absences
The BRICS bloc of emerging economies criticized the global rise in tariffs and escalating hostilities in the Middle East during their summit on Sunday, without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump or the United States. Their joint statement also avoided condemning Russia over its war in Ukraine, mentioning the conflict only once.
The two-day summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was marked by the absence of two major leaders. China’s President Xi Jinping skipped the summit for the first time since assuming power in 2012, while Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the gathering via video link. Putin has largely avoided international travel due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued over Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Indirect Swipe at U.S. Trade Policies
While not naming Trump, the BRICS declaration voiced “serious concerns” about rising tariffs that it said contradict World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The group warned that these barriers threaten global trade, disrupt supply chains, and fuel economic instability.
In response, Trump took to his social media platform late Sunday, warning that any country “aligning with the anti-American policies of BRICS” would face an additional 10% tariff.
Lula Criticizes NATO’s Military Spending
President Lula also slammed NATO’s decision to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, arguing it further entrenches conflict over peace.
“It is always easier to invest in war than in peace,” Lula remarked at the summit’s opening session.
This sentiment was later echoed in the bloc’s official statement, which urged peaceful solutions to global conflicts.
Brazil Treads Carefully to Avoid U.S. Sanctions
Despite the group’s criticism of Western policy, Brazil sought to avoid direct confrontation with Washington. Analysts say that with Trump now back in the White House, Lula’s administration is prioritizing the protection of Brazil’s economy over deeper alignment with the more hardline stances of fellow BRICS members.
“Brazil wants the least amount of damage possible and to avoid drawing the attention of the Trump administration to prevent any type of risk to the Brazilian economy,” said Ana Garcia, a professor at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro.
In 2023, at a summit hosted by Russia in Kazan, BRICS discussed plans to create alternatives to U.S.-controlled global payment systems, aiming to evade Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump responded by threatening 100% tariffs against any BRICS move to weaken the U.S. dollar.
Focus Shifts to Trade and Global Health
To reduce tensions, Brazil focused this year’s summit on non-controversial issues such as boosting intra-BRICS trade and improving global health cooperation. Still, the sharp tone of the bloc’s declaration reveals growing unease with the dominance of Western-led institutions and what members describe as unilateral power moves by major countries.
As the summit continues on Monday, all eyes will be on how the group balances diplomacy, economic protection, and geopolitical resistance in a world shifting toward multilateral influence.
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