Senior diplomats from BRICS countries are set to meet in Brazil on Monday to present a united front in response to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. The meeting is crucial for the global economy, especially after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its growth projections downward, citing the impact of Trump’s new tariffs.
The two-day gathering in Rio de Janeiro will involve representatives from Brazil (current BRICS president), Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This meeting is a precursor to the upcoming BRICS leaders summit in July. According to Brazil’s BRICS representative Mauricio Lyrio, the ministers will work on a declaration that emphasizes the significance of the multilateral trading system.
Since its formation in 2009, BRICS has expanded significantly, now including Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. Together, these countries account for nearly half of the world’s population and 39% of global GDP.
Trump, since his return to office, has imposed a blanket 10% tariff on many countries, with China facing tariffs up to 145% on various products. In retaliation, China has levied duties of 125% on US goods. Trump has also threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they undermine the US dollar.
The meeting, hosted by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, will feature diplomats including Russia’s Sergei Lavrov and China’s Wang Yi. It will begin around 11:00 am (1400 GMT), with a statement expected in the afternoon.
Climate change is expected to be a key discussion point, ahead of the United Nations COP30 climate summit in November, which will be hosted by Brazil in Belem, a city in the Amazon. The BRICS group will also likely discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, as Trump pushes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
On Tuesday, nine additional “partner” countries, including several former Soviet states, as well as Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Nigeria, will join the discussions.
Meanwhile, Beijing has denied recent claims made by Trump that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump mentioned a phone conversation in a TIME magazine interview, but China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, clarified that no such call had taken place, adding that the two nations are not holding consultations or negotiations on tariffs.