• BRICS leaders, including Brazil's Lula, denounce US tariffs as 'tariff blackmail'.
• Lula advocates for tighter trade integration among BRICS nations to mitigate effects of protectionism.
• Increased US tariffs have led to significant export declines for Brazil and India.
• Leaders emphasize the need for a cooperative international trading system.
• Concerns raised over unilateral trade measures affecting the global economy.

During a recent virtual meeting of BRICS leaders, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the United States' tariffs as "tariff blackmail," which he views as an instrument for market conquest and interference in domestic affairs. This criticism comes as Brazil faces a staggering 50 percent import duty on various goods imposed by US President Donald Trump, severely impacting Brazilian exports, which plunged by 18.5 percent year-on-year in August 2025. Lula underscored the need for BRICS nations to strengthen their trade ties to combat these unilateral measures, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, TRT Global, Channel News Asia, The Jakarta Post, and Dawn.

During the summit, Lula emphasized that BRICS countries have become "victims of unjustified and illegal trade practices," in the face of rising protectionism. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chimed in, advocating for sustainable and cooperative trade practices, arguing that increasing barriers will not benefit any country. Modi reiterated that trade should not be linked to non-trade issues, and this sentiment was echoed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who highlighted the importance of maintaining a multilateral trading system, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

The backdrop to these discussions includes accusations from the US regarding Brazil's dealings with former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is undergoing a trial for allegedly plotting a coup against Lula, indicating that Trump's tariffs are politically motivated. Brazil and its BRICS partners are considering retaliatory responses and have sought the intervention of the World Trade Organization to address these issues, according to Indiatimes, The Jakarta Post, and Dawn.

Overall, this leaders' summit reflects a growing consensus among the BRICS nations regarding the dangers posed by unilateral trade actions, urging a unified response to safeguard their economies and promote an open global market. Lula, Xi, and other BRICS member leaders are committed to fostering a coordinated approach to international trade that emphasizes mutual benefits and the rejection of protectionist policies, according to TRT Global, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.