At the conclusion of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a sharp rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 10% tariff on BRICS nations, accusing them of “anti-American” policies. Lula, speaking to journalists, declared, “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor,” emphasizing the sovereignty of BRICS countries and their intent to reshape global economic systems without U.S. dominance.
Trump’s warning, posted on Truth Social on July 6, 2025, came as the U.S. prepared to finalize trade deals before a July 9 deadline for imposing “retaliatory tariffs.” He threatened an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning with BRICS policies deemed “anti-American,” escalating tensions with the bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, a partner nation, has not fully committed to membership.
Lula criticized Trump’s approach as “irresponsible,” arguing that tariffs should not be used as tools for coercion. He reiterated the BRICS group’s goal of reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar in global trade, advocating for alternative systems through careful coordination with central banks. “The world needs to find a way that our trade relations don’t have to pass through the dollar,” he said, acknowledging the gradual nature of such a shift.
Other BRICS leaders echoed Lula’s sentiments, though more cautiously. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that BRICS does not seek confrontation and expressed optimism about securing a trade deal with the U.S.
The summit’s joint statement condemned recent military strikes on Iran, a BRICS member, and warned that rising tariffs threaten global trade, implicitly criticizing Trump’s “America First” policies. Trump’s earlier February warning of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations attempting to undermine the U.S. dollar’s role in global trade loomed large, though Brazil’s BRICS presidency has stepped back from pursuing a common currency.
The Trump administration clarified that the 10% tariff would not be imposed immediately but would apply if BRICS nations adopt policies deemed “anti-American.” Meanwhile, Indonesia’s economic minister, attending the summit, is set to visit the U.S. to negotiate tariff exemptions, reflecting the delicate balance many BRICS members maintain with Washington due to trade dependencies.
Lula’s remarks underscore growing friction between the U.S. and BRICS, as the bloc positions itself as a counterweight to Western-led economic frameworks like the G7 and G20, which face divisions amid global conflicts and trade wars.
