BRICS Leaders to Hold Virtual Summit on Trump Tariffs and Multilateralism

On September 8, BRICS Leaders to Hold Virtual Summit on Trump Tariffs and Multilateralism. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called a virtual meeting of BRICS leaders on September 8, 2025, to discuss escalating trade tensions with the United States.

The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on BRICS economies, including a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, in a dramatic escalation of his global trade war.

According to Brazilian government officials, the primary aim of the summit is not only to address the tariffs but also to rally support for multilateralism among emerging economies. Yet, the meeting will also test the bloc’s ability to present a unified stance in the face of Washington’s pressure.

BRICS Leaders to Hold Virtual Summit on Trump Tariffs and Multilateralism

Lula’s Call for Multilateralism

Brazil at the Center of Trade Tensions

Trump’s recent trade measures thrust Brazil into the heart of his tariff battles. In July, he threatened to escalate tariffs unless Brazil’s Supreme Court halted the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges of attempting a coup.

With the court refusing to bow to U.S. pressure, Brazil now faces 50% tariffs, with only a handful of exemptions for goods like airplanes and orange juice.

For Latin America’s largest economy, the tariff hike has already begun to impact exports and foreign investment.

Lula’s decision to convene the summit is seen as a strategic attempt to:

• Coordinate BRICS response to U.S. tariffs.
• Reaffirm commitment to multilateralism rather than protectionist policies.
• Prevent the meeting from turning into an anti-U.S. gathering, which Lula believes could backfire diplomatically.

Trump’s Hardline Approach

Linking Tariffs to Bolsonaro’s Trial

The tariffs imposed on Brazil were not only economic but deeply political. Trump openly linked the trade measures to the ongoing trial of Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of Washington.

As the trial opened in Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, the U.S. intensified its measures:

• Revoking visas of Brazilian Supreme Court justices.
• Sanctioning the judge overseeing Bolsonaro’s coup attempt case.

This blending of judicial matters with trade policy has further strained U.S.-Brazil ties.

Tariffs on BRICS Nations

Trump has not treated all BRICS nations equally. Different tariff levels have been set for China, India, Russia, and South Africa, making it challenging for the bloc to reach consensus on a joint statement.

Moreover, Trump has warned of additional tariffs if BRICS continues its push to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar by trading in local currencies a move Washington sees as a threat to dollar dominance.

Also Read: Trump Targets BRICS With 10% Tariffs: A Dollar Defense or Global Disruption?

BRICS Diplomacy in Motion

A Flurry of High-Level Meetings

The virtual summit comes on the heels of intense diplomatic activity:

• Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting in Tianjin last weekend, their first in years.
• Vladimir Putin also met Modi in Tianjin on Monday and will hold further talks with Xi in Beijing.

These meetings are expected to shape the tone of the virtual summit, particularly on the issue of tariffs.

Modi’s Changing Role

Previously, Modi’s closeness to Trump was viewed as a stumbling block for BRICS unity. However, after recent tensions and a fallout between Trump and Modi, India may now align more closely with Lula, Xi, and Putin in pushing for a stronger collective stance.

BRICS Expansion and Dollar Alternatives

New Members and Wider Interest

Since its creation in 2009, BRICS has expanded its membership. As of January 2024, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Egypt joined the group, bringing greater geopolitical weight.

Other developments include:

• Argentina’s withdrawal from joining after the election of President Javier Milei.
• Saudi Arabia still considering formal accession.
• 34 countries have expressed interest in joining, including Belarus, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan as associate members.

Push for a Common Currency

One of Lula’s long-standing proposals a BRICS common currency will likely resurface during the summit.

First floated in 2023, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar in trade settlements, a move that directly challenges Trump’s policies.

Also Read: Trump says BRICS would end quickly if they ever form in a meaningful way

Balancing Act: Anti-U.S. or Pro-Multilateralism?

Lula faces a delicate task in ensuring the meeting does not descend into an overtly anti-American gathering.

Brazil’s officials stress the summit will be framed as a pro-multilateralism initiative rather than a campaign against Washington.

Still, with the U.S. imposing sanctions and linking tariffs to domestic judicial proceedings, the BRICS summit may take a sharper tone than Lula originally intended.

Global Reactions and Implications

Risks of Fragmentation

Experts warn that Trump’s differentiated tariff strategy may succeed in splintering BRICS unity. With each member state facing different trade pressures, it may be difficult to draft a strong joint resolution.

Impact on Emerging Economies

For developing nations, the outcome of this summit matters beyond BRICS. A coordinated stance could bolster calls for reforming global trade institutions and strengthening South-South cooperation.

On the other hand, a weak or fragmented response could embolden Trump to pursue further tariffs without fear of unified resistance.

Conclusion

The September 8 virtual BRICS summit marks a pivotal moment in the bloc’s response to Trump’s trade war. Brazil, caught in the crossfire of judicial politics and economic sanctions, is pushing for unity under the banner of multilateralism.

Whether the meeting produces a substantive resolution or merely highlights divisions among the members will shape the trajectory of global trade politics in the months ahead. With Bolsonaro’s trial unfolding, U.S.-Brazil ties deteriorating, and BRICS exploring dollar alternatives, the stakes could not be higher.

For Lula, Xi, Modi, Putin, and other leaders, the challenge lies in proving that BRICS is not just an acronym, but a viable force in reshaping the rules of global trade.