BRICS Nations Express Concerns Over Trump Tariffs

BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro are expected to criticize US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, calling them illegal and harmful to the global economy. Emerging nations, representing half the world's population and 40% of global economic output, are concerned about US import tariffs, according to a draft summit statement obtained by AFP.

Since taking office, President Trump has threatened punitive duties on allies and rivals. The draft summit declaration, signed by 11 emerging nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expresses serious concerns about unilateral trade measures that distort trade and violate WTO rules, potentially reducing global trade and affecting economic development.

The absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the meeting for the first time in 12 years, has raised speculation. Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate via video link. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva aims for a bigger role on the world stage amidst hosting multiple summits and climate talks.

At the pre-summit business forum, President Lula emphasized the need for emerging countries to defend the multilateral trade regime and reform the international financial architecture. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, sought a stronger condemnation of recent conflicts with Israel and the US.

The summit will also address artificial intelligence and health. Original BRICS members have been joined by new countries like South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others.

According to the source: RTE.ie.