Quick Read
- Brazil’s President Lula challenges Trump’s tariffs, calling them a threat to multilateralism.
- Lula plans a BRICS meeting to discuss a unified response to U.S. trade aggression.
- Brazil strengthens ties with Russia and India as tensions with the U.S. escalate.
- China and Brazil deepen economic cooperation, countering U.S. trade policies.
- Trump’s tariffs strain U.S. relations globally, including with allies like Canada and the EU.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is emerging as a central figure in countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. As the leader of the largest South American nation and the current president of the BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—Lula is leveraging his platform to challenge unilateral U.S. tariffs that he deems harmful to multilateralism and global trade stability.
Trump’s Tariffs Ignite Global Tensions
On Thursday, sweeping new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump officially came into force, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing global trade war. These tariffs, ranging from 35% to 50% on goods from nations like Brazil, India, and Canada, have drawn sharp criticism from affected countries. According to AOL, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency began enforcing the tariffs at midnight, following weeks of uncertainty and last-minute negotiations.
Brazil, in particular, has been hit hard with a 50% tariff on its goods. Lula condemned these measures, accusing Trump of abandoning multilateralism in favor of unilateral deals that undermine global institutions. “What President Trump is doing is tacit—he wants to dismantle multilateralism and replace it with unilateralism,” Lula told Reuters. The Brazilian leader sees these actions as a direct attack on the principles of collective decision-making within international frameworks.
BRICS Bloc Rises to the Challenge
In response to the escalating trade tensions, Lula announced plans to convene a BRICS meeting to discuss a unified strategy. Brazil currently holds the presidency of the bloc, which Lula views as a critical platform for countering U.S. dominance in global trade. “I’m going to try to discuss with them about how each one is doing in this situation, what the implications are for each country, so we can make a decision,” Lula stated, referring to his upcoming calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other BRICS leaders.
The bloc’s cohesion is being tested, as some members, like India and China, have explored individual trade deals with the U.S. to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariffs. However, Lula believes that a unified BRICS front is the only viable way to counterbalance the U.S. trade aggression. According to CryptoRank, the bloc aims to strengthen internal trade mechanisms and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, a move that aligns with broader global trends seeking to diversify economic dependencies.
Brazil-Russia Relations Strengthen Amid Trade War
As part of his strategy to bolster alliances, Lula has also deepened ties with Russia. On May 9, 2025, Lula and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed enhancing cooperation within BRICS and coordinating their response to U.S. policies. According to Bloomberg, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. Lula’s office described the conversation as a step toward solidifying Brazil-Russia ties in the face of increasing U.S. antagonism.
This dialogue comes on the heels of growing Chinese-Brazilian economic cooperation, further isolating the U.S. in its attempts to exert influence over Latin America. China, which has been actively supporting Brazil in countering U.S. tariffs, recently approved 183 Brazilian companies to sell coffee in its market, a significant boon for Brazil’s economy. These developments highlight how Trump’s trade war is inadvertently pushing Brazil closer to China and Russia, two nations the U.S. considers strategic adversaries.
India and Brazil Forge Closer Ties
Lula’s outreach extends beyond Russia, as he also seeks to strengthen relations with India. Both nations have been disproportionately affected by Trump’s tariffs, with India facing a 50% tariff rate. According to Jacobin, the Indian government has reacted by halting a planned U.S. weapons purchase and canceling an American diplomatic visit, signaling its discontent. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now preparing for a rare visit to China, further complicating U.S. efforts to maintain influence in Asia.
In a recent phone call, Lula and Modi reportedly discussed ways to deepen bilateral trade and coordinate their response to U.S. trade policies. This collaboration underscores the shifting dynamics within BRICS, as member nations increasingly view the bloc as a counterweight to U.S. economic dominance.
The Global Implications of Trump’s Trade War
The fallout from Trump’s trade policies extends far beyond BRICS. In Europe, Trump’s recent trade deal with the EU has been met with widespread criticism, as it imposes regulatory concessions in exchange for modest tariff reductions. Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive stance has alienated other key allies, including Canada, which now faces a 35% tariff on its exports to the U.S. According to Jacobin, Trump’s actions are not only straining bilateral relationships but also undermining the United States’ long-term strategic interests.
As the trade war escalates, China has emerged as a beneficiary, capitalizing on U.S. missteps to deepen its economic ties with countries like Brazil and India. This shift poses a significant challenge to U.S. global influence, as nations increasingly turn to alternative partners to mitigate the impact of American policies.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, Lula’s leadership within BRICS will be crucial in shaping the bloc’s response to U.S. trade aggression. As Brazil strengthens its ties with Russia, India, and China, the world watches closely to see whether BRICS can present a united front against the challenges posed by Trump’s tariffs.