BRICS Leaders Hold Emergency Virtual Summit Amid Trump's Tariff Onslaught

In a rapidly evolving global economic landscape, the BRICS nations - comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newer members like Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Egypt - have found themselves at the center of a renewed trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Since assuming office for his second term, Trump has implemented a series of aggressive tariff measures aimed at reshaping international trade dynamics and countering what he perceives as threats to American economic dominance. These policies have particularly targeted emerging economies, including those within the BRICS bloc, leading to widespread disruptions in supply chains and heightened geopolitical frictions.

Trump's tariff strategy began intensifying in early 2025, with initial threats evolving into concrete actions. For instance, in July 2025, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods following Brazil's refusal to halt legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom Trump views as an ally. Exemptions were made for strategic items like airplanes and orange juice, but the move sent shockwaves through Brazil's export-dependent economy. Similarly, India faced escalated tariffs, including an additional 25% levy on its exports due to continued imports of Russian oil, bringing the total to 50% on many goods. China, a long-standing target, saw tariffs soar to 145% on various products, exacerbating existing tensions from previous trade disputes.

These measures are part of Trump's broader "America First" agenda, which includes threats of up to 100% tariffs on nations pursuing de-dollarization efforts or aligning with policies he deems "anti-American." The president has repeatedly warned BRICS members against developing alternative currencies or reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, viewing such steps as direct challenges to global financial stability dominated by the United States. Analysts argue that these tariffs not only aim to protect domestic industries but also serve as leverage to extract concessions in areas like immigration, drug control, and foreign policy alignments.

The impact has been profound. Global trade volumes have dipped, with emerging markets bearing the brunt. According to economic reports, Trump's policies could reduce global GDP growth by up to 0.5% in 2025 alone, with BRICS nations experiencing disproportionate effects due to their export-oriented models. This has prompted a unified pushback, culminating in the emergency summit convened on September 8, 2025.

The summit's origins and objectives

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spearheaded the call for this extraordinary virtual meeting, inviting leaders from the expanded BRICS group to deliberate from their respective capitals. Announced just days prior, the summit was framed as a critical response to the mounting pressures from U.S. trade policies, which Lula described as threats to the multipolar world order. The agenda focuses on fostering multilateralism, exploring coordinated countermeasures to tariffs, and advancing initiatives to lessen dependence on Western financial systems without escalating into overt confrontation.

Key discussions include strategies for boosting intra-BRICS trade in local currencies, enhancing supply chain resilience, and advocating for reforms in global institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization. Brazilian officials have emphasized that the meeting aims to rally emerging economies while avoiding an explicitly anti-U.S. stance, recognizing the complex interdependencies in global trade. This approach reflects the bloc's evolution since its inception in 2009, now representing over 45% of the world's population and a significant portion of global GDP and trade.

The timing is pivotal, coming amid Trump's repeated threats, including a 10% additional tariff on nations supporting BRICS policies he labels as adversarial. Experts suggest that such U.S. actions may inadvertently strengthen BRICS cohesion, accelerating efforts to build alternative economic frameworks.

Notable participants and absences

Chinese President Xi Jinping confirmed his attendance, delivering a key address from Beijing that underscored the need for collective action against protectionism. Russian President Vladimir Putin also joined virtually, highlighting Russia's ongoing challenges with U.S. sanctions and advocating for deeper BRICS integration. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa participated, emphasizing the bloc's role in defending multilateral trade norms.

A significant absence was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who opted out of the summit amid delicate balancing acts in U.S.-India relations. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India, signaling New Delhi's cautious approach to avoid alienating Washington while maintaining BRICS commitments. Modi's decision follows recent U.S. criticisms, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's dismissal of India as "the vowel between Russia and China." This absence highlights internal tensions within BRICS, where members navigate varying degrees of alignment with the U.S.

Other leaders, including those from newer members like Iran and the UAE, contributed perspectives on how tariffs exacerbate regional instabilities, from Middle Eastern conflicts to African economic vulnerabilities.

Potential outcomes and challenges

The summit is expected to yield a joint declaration reaffirming commitment to free trade principles and criticizing unilateral tariffs without direct confrontation. Possible actions include:

However, challenges persist. The bloc's diversity - spanning democracies like India and Brazil to autocracies like China and Russia - complicates unified responses. Intra-group trade remains low at around 14%, limiting immediate leverage against U.S. policies. Moreover, Trump's administration has signaled no exemptions, potentially escalating retaliatory measures.

Broader geopolitical implications

This emergency gathering underscores a shifting world order, where Trump's tariffs may paradoxically bolster anti-Western alliances. By targeting BRICS, the U.S. risks alienating key partners in the Global South, pushing them toward closer ties with China and Russia. For instance, Brazil's Lula has leveraged the crisis to position his country as a mediator, while China views it as an opportunity to expand influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

Economists warn of ripple effects: higher consumer prices in the U.S., slowed global growth, and increased volatility in commodity markets. Politically, the summit tests whether BRICS can evolve from a loose forum into a formidable counterweight to G7 dominance. As India assumes the BRICS presidency in 2026, future summits may intensify these debates.

In summary, the September 8 summit represents a pivotal moment for emerging economies to forge resilience amid U.S.-led trade pressures, potentially reshaping international relations for years to come.