China has strongly criticized the United States for imposing what it called “unsustainable” tariffs on Brazil, introduced by US President Donald Trump in response to the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Brazil’s ongoing cooperation within the BRICS bloc.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing “firmly supports Brazil in defending its sovereignty and dignity” and “opposes unwarranted external interference” in its internal affairs. He pledged China’s backing for Brazil in resisting “bullying” tariff measures and strengthening cooperation among Global South nations, especially within the BRICS framework.
Speaking with Celso Amorim, a senior adviser to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Wang said using tariffs as a political weapon violates the UN Charter, undermines WTO rules, and is “unpopular and unsustainable.”
In late July, Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods, citing threats to US national security and concerns over Bolsonaro’s prosecution for allegedly plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat. Trump has also accused BRICS of seeking to weaken the US dollar’s global influence.
Lula dismissed Trump’s stance, saying he is not “the emperor of the world,” and proposed a BRICS meeting to formulate a joint response.
Trump has hinted at similar tariffs for China and earlier raised duties on India by 25%, criticizing both nations for importing Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict. Moscow rejected the threats, asserting that sovereign nations are free to choose their trading partners.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have left a lasting impact on international trade, particularly with neighboring countries and major global economies. Under his administration, tariffs are imposed on a wide range of goods from countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, igniting trade wars that reverberated across the global economy.
In 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Canada and Mexico, the United States’ closest trading partners, were significantly affected. The tariffs were set at 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, leading to strained diplomatic relations and economic uncertainty.
The tariffs disrupted North American supply chains, increased production costs for U.S. manufacturers, and led to higher prices for consumers. In Canada, industries reliant on steel and aluminum exports faced immediate challenges, while Mexico saw a decline in cross-border trade efficiency. The U.S. economy experienced mixed outcomes—while some domestic industries benefited from reduced foreign competition, others, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors, faced increased costs.
Retaliatory Measures by China, Canada, and Mexico In response to U.S. tariffs, Canada, Mexico, and China implemented their own retaliatory measures:
Canada Imposed tariffs on $12.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, including whiskey, orange juice, and dairy products, directly targeting industries in politically significant U.S. states.
Mexico Applied tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like pork, cheese, and apples, affecting American farmers who heavily relied on exports to Mexico.
China Launched extensive retaliatory tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods, focusing on soybeans, automobiles, and chemicals, which significantly impacted American farmers and manufacturers.
After being re-elected as the 47th President of the United States in 2024, Trump reinstated and expanded several of his earlier tariff policies. In 2025, new tariffs were imposed on a broader range of goods from China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. The tariffs on Chinese technology and electronics were increased to 35%, while Canadian and Mexican agricultural products faced additional duties of up to 20%.
As BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—moved forward with de-dollarization efforts, aiming to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar in international trade, Trump threatened to impose sanctions on these countries. The de-dollarization initiative posed a potential challenge to the dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency, prompting strong reactions from the Trump administration. Such sanctions could further escalate tensions between the U.S. and emerging economies, potentially destabilizing global financial markets.
Trump also signaled the possibility of imposing tariffs on European Union nations, citing unfair trade practices and imbalances in automotive and agricultural sectors. Proposed tariffs on European cars and luxury goods raised concerns among EU leaders, who warned of reciprocal measures that could trigger a broader transatlantic trade war. The threat of such tariffs strained U.S.-EU relations and introduced additional volatility into global markets.
Trump’s tariff policies and threats of sanctions have had far-reaching implications, affecting not only bilateral trade relationships but also the broader dynamics of global commerce. The retaliatory measures by Canada, Mexico, China, and now the European Union highlight the interconnectedness of the global economy and the risks of protectionist policies. As BRICS nations continue their de-dollarization efforts and the EU remains engaged in trade disputes, the long-term impact of these conflicts on the U.S. economy and its global standing remains a critical issue for policymakers and economists alike.
Established in 2006, BRICS is an influential group of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Initially formed as “BRIC” with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group expanded to include South Africa in 2010, becoming BRICS. This coalition aims to foster economic growth, political collaboration, and advocate for reforms in international financial institutions.
The formation of BRICS marked a significant shift in global economic dynamics. These nations, each with unique economic strengths, collectively represent over 40% of the world’s population and about 25% of the global GDP. Brazil, known for its rich natural resources and agricultural exports, pairs with Russia, a global energy powerhouse abundant in oil and natural gas. India brings rapid economic growth and a robust technology sector, while China, the world’s second-largest economy, dominates in manufacturing and exports. South Africa, the continent’s most developed economy, serves as a crucial gateway to Africa, rich in minerals and resources.
The objectives of BRICS are ambitious and multifaceted. The group seeks to promote peace, security, and development within its member states, while also pushing for a more equitable representation of emerging economies in global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Enhancing trade and investment among the members, fostering cooperation in science, technology, education, and health, and advocating for a multipolar world order are central to BRICS’ mission.
Over the years, BRICS has made notable achievements. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 stands out as a major milestone. This institution finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects within BRICS nations and other emerging economies, providing a credible alternative to Western-dominated financial bodies. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) was also created to offer financial support to members facing balance of payments crises. Regular annual summits facilitate discussions on global and regional issues, with the presidency rotating among member countries, ensuring equal representation and influence.
In terms of trade, BRICS nations have initiated agreements aimed at boosting intra-BRICS commerce and reducing reliance on Western currencies. This move towards de-dollarization reflects the group’s broader strategy to diversify global economic power and reduce dependency on the US dollar.
The rise of BRICS is significantly impacting the global economy. By diversifying economic power away from traditional Western economies, the group is reshaping global financial structures. The creation of alternative institutions like the NDB and CRA challenges the dominance of entities such as the IMF and World Bank. Furthermore, BRICS’ push to use local currencies in trade could diminish the global demand for the US dollar, potentially weakening its status as the world’s primary reserve currency.
For the US economy, the implications are profound. The de-dollarization efforts by BRICS could reduce the dollar’s global dominance, affecting its value and influence. Increased economic competition from BRICS nations could challenge US markets, resources, and geopolitical standing. Additionally, BRICS’ advocacy for reforming international institutions might lead to a diminished US role in global decision-making bodies.
In conclusion, BRICS is not just a coalition of emerging economies; it is a powerful force driving the shift towards a multipolar world order. Its efforts to promote economic cooperation and reform global governance challenge the traditional dominance of Western powers. While the full extent of its impact on the global economy and the US remains to be seen, BRICS undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of international relations and economic policies.
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