At the BRICS summit held yesterday in Rio de Janeiro, developing countries categorically rejected US President Donald Trump's accusations that the group is "anti-American", reported “Reuters“, reports News.bg.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that "the world does not need an emperor", a comment made after Trump threatened the BRICS with new tariffs.
Trump's threat was made on Sunday evening as the US finalizes trade agreements with a number of countries before a July 9 deadline for the possible introduction of new "reciprocal tariffs". While his administration does not intend to immediately impose a 10% tariff on BRICS countries, sources say that such a measure would be implemented if policies deemed “anti-American” are adopted.
At the end of the meeting, Lula stated categorically:
“The world has changed. We do not want an emperor.“
He emphasized that BRICS is an alliance of countries that are looking for an alternative way to organize the world economically:
“I think that is why BRICS makes some people feel uncomfortable.“
Back in February, Trump threatened BRICS countries with “100% tariffs“ if they try to undermine the role of the US dollar in global trade. Although proposals for a common currency have been discussed in the past, the Brazilian presidency has already rejected them. However, Lula insisted on the need for alternatives to the dollar:
„The world must find a way for our trade not to go through the dollar. Of course, this should be done carefully and responsibly, through coordination between central banks,“ he added.
The other BRICS leaders also responded to Washington's threats, albeit in a more moderate tone.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that BRICS does not seek competition with other powers and expressed hope for reaching a trade agreement with the United States.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning noted that tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressure, stressing that BRICS supports mutually beneficial cooperation and is not directed against any particular country.
The Kremlin also assured that the partnership within the BRICS is based on a “common worldview“ and has never been directed against third countries.
India has not yet provided an official response to Trump's remarks.
Despite the rhetoric, many of the BRICS countries and their partners remain economically dependent on trade with the United States, making the balance between cooperation and confrontation particularly delicate.