
RIO DE JANEIRO, July 7 – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered a sharp rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened to impose steep tariffs on the economic bloc. Responding to accusations that the BRICS alliance is becoming “anti-American,” Lula firmly stated, “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
His comments came just a day after Trump warned that the United States might impose additional retaliatory tariffs if BRICS countries pursue policies his administration deems hostile to American interests. While the U.S. government has not yet moved forward with the threatened 10% tariffs, sources close to the matter indicated that enforcement remains on the table.
Tensions Escalate over Trade and Currency
The current standoff is part of an ongoing tug-of-war over global trade influence. The BRICS bloc—originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has grown in recent years, welcoming new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Although Saudi Arabia has not yet finalized full membership, it remains engaged as a partner country. Over 30 nations have expressed interest in joining the group, viewing it as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.
Trump’s latest warning stems from BRICS’ attempts to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar in international trade. Lula, who has long been an advocate for global economic diversification, reiterated his call for exploring alternatives to dollar-dominated systems. “The world needs to find a way that our trade relations don’t have to pass through the dollar,” he emphasized. “We need to approach this with caution and a strong sense of responsibility. Our central banks will need to engage in conversations with others globally. It’s a gradual process.”
This push for a multipolar trade system had earlier sparked backlash from Washington. In February, Trump threatened to impose “100% tariffs” on any BRICS nation promoting currency alternatives that challenge the dominance of the dollar.
In response, Brazil has reportedly slowed discussions around forming a shared currency for the bloc, though the broader idea of monetary diversification remains on the table. Lula, however, remained optimistic: “This is a group of nations looking for a new way to shape the global economy. And that’s why some powers feel uneasy.”
Unified Yet Measured Responses from BRICS Members
While Lula’s response was direct, other BRICS leaders took a more measured tone in pushing back against the U.S. president’s remarks. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the bloc does not aim to compete or confront any nation. “We are here for cooperation, not conflict,” he told reporters, emphasizing his belief that trade differences can be resolved diplomatically.
China also responded through its foreign ministry, stressing that BRICS does not operate to exclude or undermine other nations. A spokesperson from Beijing stated that using tariffs to apply pressure is not acceptable, emphasizing their commitment to mutual benefit and cooperative progress.
Russia echoed similar sentiments, with a Kremlin official describing BRICS cooperation as based on shared principles and mutual respect. “Our partnership is rooted in a common worldview and will never be directed against other countries,” the official noted.
India, while not issuing an immediate official response, is reportedly evaluating the implications of Trump’s proposed tariff strategy, especially given its significant trade relationship with the U.S.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s top economic policymaker, present at the summit, is scheduled to travel to Washington for discussions on trade and tariff policies. The official stressed that Indonesia’s participation in BRICS is focused on constructive engagement and not on forming ideological blocs.
Malaysia, attending as a partner country, also addressed concerns over U.S. tariffs. After facing a temporary 24% tariff, which was later suspended, the country affirmed its stance of maintaining independent economic policies. “We do not align ideologically. We act based on our national interest,” a Malaysian official said.
BRICS leaders, in a unified statement at the summit, voiced concern over the growing use of one-sided tariffs, warning that these actions could disrupt the balance of international trade. The statement also condemned recent bombings in one of its member nation Iran, underlining the bloc’s broader geopolitical concerns.
Amid the fracturing effectiveness of other international forums like the G7 and G20—often disrupted by major power disputes—the BRICS alliance has positioned itself as a beacon of multilateral diplomacy. It has taken a notably active role in proposing collective action during economic crises and conflicts, drawing increasing interest from emerging economies around the world.
As Trump doubles down on his “America First” approach, his aggressive stance on trade and BRICS may continue to fuel international tensions. However, Lula’s message resounded loud and clear on the final day of the summit: “This is a new world, and there’s no place for emperors.”