‘Our Countries Are Sovereign’: Brazilian President Responds to Trump’s BRICS Tariff Threat

Trump has threatened a 10 percent tariff on any country aligning with what he says are the ‘anti-American policies of BRICS.’
‘Our Countries Are Sovereign’: Brazilian President Responds to Trump’s BRICS Tariff Threat
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (L) during their bilateral meeting ahead of the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, on July 5, 2025. Bruna Prado/AP Photo
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the world does not need an emperor and reiterated his view that global trade needs alternatives to the U.S. dollar, following a threat by former President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries aligning with BRICS policies.

The BRICS alliance—made up of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—views itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions.

Owen Evans
Owen Evans
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Owen Evans is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in civil liberties and free speech.