BRICS nations hit out at Trump tariffs

Source: CNA | Original Published At: 2025-07-06 18:04:00 UTC

Key Points

• BRICS leaders criticized Trump's unilateral tariffs as illegal and arbitrary
• Summit statement highlights risks to global economy from protectionist policies
• BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) united in opposition to US trade measures

RIO DE JANEIRO: BRICS leaders descended on sunny Rio de Janeiro Sunday (Jul 6), but issued a dark warning that US President Donald Trump’s “indiscriminate” import tariffs risk hurting the global economy.

The 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, represent about half the world’s population and 40 percent of global economic output.

The bloc is divided about much, but has found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars.

BRICS leaders voiced “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures,” warning they are illegal and arbitrary, according to a final summit statement.

In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, but abruptly offered a reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off.

Trump has warned they will again impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach “deals” by August 1.