Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has proposed a meeting of BRICS leaders to address the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. In an interview with Reuters, Lula highlighted the lack of bargaining power for small nations against the United States, particularly in the context of Trump’s recent decisions to increase tariffs on Brazilian and Indian goods.
Trump’s announcement to raise tariffs on India to 50% by late August has sparked concern in Brasilia, which views the move as an illegal attempt to influence Brazil’s internal policies. Lula stated that he will consult with other BRICS nations, including China and India, to discuss strategies for countering the tariffs. He emphasized the need for unity in the face of US unilateralism, which he argued undermines multilateral cooperation.
Lula also criticized Trump’s approach as an attempt to dismantle multilateralism and promote unilateral negotiations, where the US holds a distinct advantage. The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has gained significant economic stature, surpassing the G7 in combined GDP. Lula’s call for collaboration reflects the broader concerns of BRICS members facing increased trade pressures from the US.
Trump has also threatened additional tariffs on Russian trade partners, including BRICS nations, to pressure Moscow into accepting a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. This has led to promises from Beijing and New Delhi to defend their sovereign interests against potential US levies. The situation underscores the growing tensions within the global trade order and the strategic importance of BRICS as an alternative to US-dominated economic frameworks.