BRICS Summit: Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday with a unified message, a strong condemnation of rising unilateral trade tariffs that threaten global economic stability. In a draft statement, the bloc voiced “serious concerns” about what it called “unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures,” which it said were in direct violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Though the statement did not mention the United States or President Donald Trump by name, the context was unmistakable. Since taking office, Trump has pushed forward a barrage of protectionist policies, including newly announced tariff rates set to begin in August.
BRICS leaders warned that such actions could “distort trade,” “reduce global trade,” and negatively impact the global economy.
“The global economy and financial markets have increasingly been subject to elevated uncertainty and bouts of intense volatility,” reads the statement. In response, the group pledged to enhance cooperation among themselves and with other nations to prevent trade wars and avoid a potential recession.
The statement comes as the July 9 deadline for US President Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff pause nears. With fears of escalating tariffs resurfacing, BRICS leaders are urging de-escalation and advocating for balanced global growth and inclusive globalisation to shield the world economy from prolonged sluggishness and renewed trade conflict.
Xi Jinping and Putin skip the summit
The political significance of the summit was dampened by the notable absence of two major figures: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi, attending for the first time in 12 years via his Premier Li Qiang, raised eyebrows. Analysts speculate his absence could be linked to recent diplomatic manoeuvring, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s elevated role at the summit.
Putin, facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes, also stayed away but plans to participate through a video link, the Kremlin confirmed.
Iran pushes for stronger condemnation of Israel, US attack
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will also not attend, sending Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi instead. Tehran reportedly pushed for a harsher stance against recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities. However, the final communique is expected to mirror previous BRICS statements, expressing concern without naming names.
Beyond trade and geopolitics, BRICS leaders will also discuss artificial intelligence and global health cooperation. With its expanded membership including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia the bloc is increasingly asserting itself as a counterweight to Western-led global governance.
