Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday expressed deep concerns over the rising wave of unilateral trade measures by the United States, warning that such actions could harm global economic growth.
The leaders, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, noted in a draft statement obtained by AFP that unilateral tariffs and non-tariff barriers being introduced by the US threaten global trade and contravene World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.
The statement, expected to be formally adopted at the end of the summit on Monday, stated: “We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.”
It further warned that such measures “threaten to further reduce global trade” and risk “affecting the prospects for global economic development.”
Though the draft did not mention the United States or President Donald Trump by name, it was widely seen as a direct response to Washington’s recent tariff hikes on imports from several countries.
Since assuming office in January, President Trump has imposed a series of tariffs on both allies and rivals, sparking global concerns.
According to reports, his administration recently notified trading partners of fresh tariff rates scheduled to take effect soon.
The BRICS group — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — along with six new members including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, accounts for about half of the world’s population and 40 per cent of global economic output.
Key Absences
The summit, however, witnessed notable absences.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has attended every BRICS summit since assuming office, was absent for the first time in 12 years. He was represented by Premier Li Qiang.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, facing an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, also stayed away physically but participated via video link, according to the Kremlin.
Analysts say Xi’s absence may be linked to diplomatic sensitivities, particularly as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seen as a regional rival, is attending the summit and will be hosted to a state lunch by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council, said Xi’s decision to skip the summit could be influenced by multiple factors, including his recent hosting of President Lula in Beijing.
“Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,” Hass noted.
Lula’s Diplomatic Push
President Lula, who is positioning Brazil as a key player on the global stage, hosted a business forum ahead of the summit.
Speaking at the forum, Lula called on emerging economies to defend multilateralism in global trade and push for reforms in the international 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.
Brazil is scheduled to host the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit, and the COP30 climate conference within the next year, ahead of its presidential elections.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose country recently engaged in a 12-day conflict with Israel, also missed the summit and was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Sources said Iran had pushed for stronger condemnation of Israel and the United States over recent attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. However, diplomats noted that the summit declaration would likely repeat earlier positions expressing “grave concern” without explicitly naming either country.
Other Issues
The summit agenda also includes discussions on artificial intelligence, global health, and strengthening cooperation among member states.
