Mirror Review
July 7, 2025
“When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” This old proverb perfectly captures the current global trade situation.
But what if the “grass” decides to grow together, forming a jungle?
The latest BRICS summit gives us a glimpse of this possibility.
On July 6, 2025, during their summit in Brazil, the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—released a joint statement opposing the recent rise in global trade tariffs.
The summit’s agenda was heavily influenced by ongoing Middle East tensions, which created a complex scene for the economic discussions.
Furthermore, the absence of key leaders like China’s Xi Jinping shifted the dynamics of the discussions, placing more focus on collective economic security.
So, what’s really driving the BRICS group to speak out against these tariffs? Here are eight likely reasons:
1. Protecting Their Own Economic Growth
At its core, the condemnation is about self-interest. BRICS nations like Brazil, India, and South Africa are export-driven economies.
Increased tariffs in Western markets, particularly the US and Europe, directly threaten their economic growth.
Therefore, by coming together, they hope to push back against trade rules that could slow their economies and even trigger a wider slowdown.
2. Pushing for a Multipolar World Order
For years, the BRICS nations have called for a shift from a unipolar world, dominated by the US, to a multipolar one where power is more distributed.
Opposing Western tariffs is one way to push for a world where influence is more evenly spread.
It challenges the economic policies of the West and positions the BRICS bloc as an alternative center of influence, one that champions free trade and cooperation.
3. Strengthening Internal BRICS Trade
If trading with the West becomes costlier, why not turn inward?
This shared stance might encourage BRICS nations to trade more with each other, build stronger supply chains, and create new trade agreements.
Less reliance on outsiders, more control over outcomes.
4. De-Dollarization and Financial Independence
Tariffs aren’t just about goods. They’re tied to deeper issues like currency dependence.
Moreover, BRICS have a broader agenda of de-dollarization, i.e., reducing their dependence on the US dollar for international trade.
As a leader of the bloc stated, “We must create our own systems, free from external pressures.”
By pushing back on US–led tariff policies, BRICS strengthens its argument for using local currencies or even a shared one, instead of the dollar.
5. Winning Support from the Global South
BRICS is also reaching out to developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
By taking a stand for fair trade, they’re hoping to attract more allies who feel left out of the current global system.
This expands their influence and builds a broader coalition of nations who feel disadvantaged by the current global economic system.
6. Gaining a Stronger Voice in Global Trade Rules
Institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) are supposed to regulate global trade, but many feel they have become ineffective.
By issuing a powerful joint statement, the BRICS nations are highlighting the WTO’s shortcomings and pushing for reforms.
Therefore, by taking a strong stand on trade, BRICS hopes to build connections with other developing nations—those who also feel left behind by global trade rules.
7. A Response to Direct Geopolitical Pressure
This wasn’t just a policy move. It was a response to real threats, especially from the US.
Former President Donald Trump recently warned on social media: “Any country siding with BRICS will face an extra 10% tariff—no exceptions.”
Furthermore, while a deadline for countries to secure a tariff deal with the US was initially set for July 9th, officials have indicated that new tariffs will now take effect on August 1st.
This gives nations a little more breathing room but places the BRICS’ condemnation in the context of a high-stakes standoff. The group’s statement is a clear signal that they will not bow to such pressure and are prepared to act collectively.
What This Means for the Future
The BRICS Group is clearly becoming more organized and assertive, no longer satisfied with being on the sidelines of global power.
Their stance against tariffs shows they’re ready to shape the future of trade—not just react to it. Whether this turns into real change or just more headlines will become clearer in the months ahead.
But one thing is clear: BRICS is ready to act as a bloc, not just a collection of countries.
