Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva harshly criticized Donald Trump's threat of imposing new tariffs during the BRICS summit in Rio, declaring: “The world has changed. We don't want an emperor.”

Lula, alongside other BRICS leaders — from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — stood firmly against U.S. economic pressure. Representatives of these emerging economies presented a united front, stating clearly that they intend to shape global trade on their own terms, beyond the dominance of the U.S. dollar.


Trump Threatens Tariffs, BRICS Responds with Diplomacy

Trump's warning came late Sunday evening, just days before a July 9 deadline for implementing so-called “retaliatory tariffs.” According to U.S. officials, these measures would target countries deemed hostile to American interests.

Though Washington has yet to implement the additional 10% import tax on BRICS nations, Lula and others argued that such threats undermine the credibility of U.S. trade policy. Lula reminded the world that BRICS is a coalition of countries striving for a more balanced and fair global order.


BRICS Calls for a Gradual Shift Away from the Dollar

The Brazilian president reiterated the need to reduce reliance on the dollar in international trade. “The world must find a way for our trade relations not to be mediated by the dollar,” he said, adding that any transition must be gradual and coordinated by central banks until new agreements are secured.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa added that BRICS is not trying to isolate the U.S., but rather pursue fair trade. He suggested a trade deal between the U.S. and South Africa is still possible.


China and Russia Support BRICS as a Counterbalance to Unilateralism

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that tariffs should not be used as tools of coercion. She emphasized that BRICS promotes mutually beneficial cooperation and is not aimed at any specific nation. The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia’s work within BRICS is based on a shared global vision and “will never target third countries.”

India remained silent on Trump’s threats, but Indonesian Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto traveled to Washington to discuss trade. Malaysia, which benefited from a recently canceled 24% tariff, maintained its economic independence and avoided ideological alignment.


BRICS as an Alternative to G7 and G20

The BRICS summit unfolded against a backdrop of worsening relations among global powers and rising trade barriers. In a joint statement on Sunday, BRICS leaders condemned recent bombings in Iran and warned that escalating tariffs threaten global trade stability — a veiled criticism of U.S. policy.

BRICS was founded in 2009 and later expanded to include South Africa (2010), Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and other partners. Saudi Arabia holds observer status, while more than 30 countries have expressed interest in full or associate membership.


What Comes Next?

Trump’s trade strategy, built on pressure and reciprocal tariffs, faces increasing global resistance. Meanwhile, BRICS continues to solidify its role as a key force in the Global South. Whether this turns into a trade war or finds a diplomatic resolution will become clear in the coming weeks.



#BRICS , #TRUMP , #Tariffs , #TradeWars , #Geopolitics

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