BRICS Leaders Slam Unilateral Trade Tariffs

Leaders of the BRICS bloc meeting in Rio de Janeiro are expected to express strong criticism of unilateral trade measures, warning that such actions risk destabilizing the global economy and violate international trade norms.

A draft declaration prepared ahead of the two-day summit, seen by reporters on Saturday, highlights the bloc’s “serious concerns” over the rise of trade barriers imposed without multilateral agreement. Though the document does not explicitly name the United States or President Donald Trump, it clearly points to recent tariff decisions that have strained global economic relations.

“We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” the draft reads. It cautions that such actions could “further reduce global trade” and negatively affect the global economic outlook.

The BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has long presented itself as a voice for the Global South and an advocate for fairer trade practices. The summit is also being attended by newer members, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

China’s President Xi Jinping is notably absent from this year’s summit, marking the first time he has missed the annual gathering since becoming president over a decade ago. Analysts believe several factors may have influenced his decision, including the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is being honored with a state lunch, and the virtual attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,” said Ryan Hass, a former U.S. National Security Council director now with the Brookings Institution. “I expect Xi’s decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors. Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi.”

Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, will participate via video link, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, dealing with the aftermath of recent hostilities with Israel, has also opted to skip the summit. He will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Sources familiar with the discussions say Iran lobbied for stronger language condemning the U.S. and Israel following airstrikes on its military and nuclear facilities. However, the current draft mirrors a previous BRICS statement that conveyed “grave concern” without naming the two countries.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is hosting the summit, has used the opportunity to position his country as a key global player. Lula has welcomed the visiting delegations warmly and stressed the importance of emerging economies taking the lead in defending multilateral trade and reforming the global financial system.

“Faced with the resurgence of protectionism, it is up to emerging countries to defend the multilateral trade regime and reform the international financial architecture,” Lula said at a pre-summit business forum.

The summit will also discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence and global health, alongside its focus on economic issues. Brazil, which has hosted major global events this year including the G20 and COP30 climate talks, is using the BRICS summit to further boost its international profile ahead of a critical election season.