Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The BRICS bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is intensifying efforts to reshape itself into a major global forum capable of countering the economic and political upheaval sparked by US trade concerns. The group, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed Nigeria as a partner nation as of January 2025. Together, the expanded bloc now represents half of the world’s population and accounts for around 40% of global GDP.
Nigeria’s inclusion reflects a broader alignment with BRICS’ goals of advocating for reforms in international institutions and reinforcing solidarity among developing nations.
This week, BRICS foreign ministers convened in Rio de Janeiro for their first gathering since Trump’s tariff policies disrupted the global economy and weakened multilateral groups such as the G-20. The Rio meeting aims to strengthen cooperation among Global South economies, navigate the fallout from rising tariffs, and position BRICS as a stabilizing force.
A key focus is China’s response to Trump’s new tariffs, which have slapped a staggering 145% duty on most Chinese exports to the United States. China’s finance ministry condemned what it termed “unilateral trade measures,” arguing they undermine global fairness and security. Chinese officials called for unified BRICS action to resist these pressures.
While some BRICS members advocate for openly criticizing U.S. policies, others prefer a more cautious diplomatic approach. Finding common ground among diverse national interests will be critical for BRICS to project unity and avoid the fractures seen in bodies like the United Nations and the G-20.
Brazil, holding the BRICS presidency this year, is steering the bloc toward an ambitious agenda emphasizing climate action, public health cooperation, strengthened trade ties, and a firm defense of multilateralism. Brazilian diplomats stress that BRICS is not an anti-American coalition but rather a platform to empower developing countries.
“The view that BRICS is an anti-American bloc is completely wrong,” said Brazilian Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio. “Our mission is to champion the development of the Global South, not to oppose rich countries.”
Nonetheless, Brazil’s agenda does position BRICS as a potential pillar of multilateralism at a time when Trump’s policies, such as exiting the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, slashing foreign aid, and questioning G-20 participation, have diminished U.S. leadership globally.
BRICS’ growing clout was on display last week when Brazil and the United Nations hosted a virtual climate summit. Dozens of world leaders attended, with China’s President Xi Jinping headlining the event and reaffirming his nation’s commitment to global cooperation while Trump and the United States were notably absent.
As BRICS steps up its ambitions, its success will hinge on fostering unity among its expanded membership and providing effective leadership in a rapidly shifting global order.
