Incoming response: Brazilian president to discuss Trump's tariffs with BRICS nations
Photo: flags of BRICS member countries (Getty Images)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to meet with BRICS leaders to discuss the possibility of a joint response to US tariffs, according to the president’s interview with Reuters.
"There is no coordination among the BRICS yet, but there will be. What is the negotiating power of one little country with the United States? None," Lula said.
He added that he would first reach out to the leaders of India and China, followed by the other member states of the bloc.
Lula also noted that Brazil is considering filing a joint complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), together with other countries.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is an international organization of the world’s largest developing countries by area and population. The name comes from the initials of the founding members in English: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The alliance was established in 2006 at the initiative of Russia. It is seen as an alternative to global institutions traditionally led by Western countries.
On January 1, 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the bloc, bringing the total number of BRICS members to nine.
More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc, and 15 have formally applied for membership, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Pakistan, Cuba, and Palestine.
Countries joining BRICS seek access to development financing, increased trade, and investment opportunities.
BRICS vs. the United States
As reported earlier, Lula da Silva does not plan to engage in negotiations with US President Donald Trump regarding the 50% import tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods. He believes that holding talks with the US leader under current circumstances would be "humiliating."
Previously, Trump had also threatened to impose additional tariffs on countries supporting BRICS policies.
Among those targeted was India, which was recently hit with a 25% US tariff due to its trade relations with Russia.
