Leaders of the BRICS nations convening in Rio de Janeiro this Sunday are set to strongly condemn President Donald Trump’s recent wave of trade tariffs, arguing that such policies undermine international trade rules and pose serious risks to global economic growth.
A draft statement circulating ahead of the meeting revealed that these emerging economies, which collectively account for close to half of the world’s population and a substantial share of its economic activity, are alarmed by Washington’s escalating import duties.
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has adopted an aggressive trade stance, imposing tariffs against both friendly nations and competitors. His administration’s latest move involves notifying various trading partners of impending hikes in tariff rates, a decision that has only deepened tensions across global markets.
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Although the draft declaration from the upcoming BRICS summit avoids directly naming the United States or President Trump, its message unmistakably targets Washington’s recent trade policies.
The statement, prepared ahead of Sunday and Monday’s meetings, reflects unified concern among the 11 emerging economies – including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – over the disruptive impact of unilateral trade barriers.
Expressing deep unease over the growing use of both tariff and non-tariff restrictions that breach World Trade Organization standards, the document warns that such practices risk shrinking global trade volumes further and undermining the broader trajectory of economic development worldwide.