Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusation that BRICS is “anti-American,” insisting the bloc simply seeks a fairer global economic system. Speaking at the conclusion of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, Lula declared, “The world doesn’t need an emperor,” in a pointed response to Trump’s latest round of tariff threats.
Trump had warned Sunday night that BRICS members could face steep trade penalties—including potential 100% tariffs—for attempting to weaken the U.S. dollar’s dominance in global trade. The warning comes just ahead of a July 9 deadline tied to dozens of pending trade negotiations with countries worldwide.
Lula: World Needs Alternatives to Dollar-Dominated Trade
Despite Brazil’s earlier hesitation on adopting a BRICS-wide common currency, Lula reiterated his long-standing belief that international trade must diversify beyond the U.S. dollar.
“The world needs to find a way for trade relations that don’t have to go through the dollar,” Lula told reporters.
“We must take responsible steps toward this goal, and that starts with discussions between our central banks and those of other nations.”
He emphasized that BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is not antagonistic toward the U.S., but rather focused on reshaping global trade dynamics to be more equitable.
“This group of countries is exploring a different way of organizing the global economy. And I believe that’s why BRICS is making some people uncomfortable,” Lula said.
Global Reaction to Trump’s Trade Warnings
Other BRICS leaders echoed Lula’s stance, though in more diplomatic language.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the group does not seek confrontation with other global powers and voiced hope for a continued trade partnership with the U.S.
“Tariffs should not be a tool of coercion,” he said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning added that BRICS is based on “win-win cooperation” and “does not target any country.” Meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson described BRICS collaboration as rooted in a “shared world view” that is not aimed against third parties.
What’s Next?
Trump’s threats come amid rising global concerns over unilateral tariffs and growing tensions between the U.S. and a newly assertive BRICS bloc. As the August 1 tariff implementation date approaches, all eyes are on how U.S. trading partners—particularly those in BRICS—will respond.
