BRICS Denounce U.S. Protectionism In Rio Declaration Amid Trade Tensions

The 2025 BRICS summit opened in Rio de Janeiro under a cloud of escalating trade tensions. The bloc's joint declaration condemned unilateral customs measures, framing them as distortions to global trade rules. South-South cooperation emerged as a central theme, with implicit criticism of Washington's economic policies.

Former U.S. President Donald TRUMP retaliated sharply, threatening 10% surtaxes on BRICS-aligned nations. The confrontation transcends mere tariffs, reflecting deeper shifts in global power dynamics as the bloc accelerates its de-dollarization initiatives.

Diplomatic tensions permeated the tightly secured summit venue. BRICS leaders avoided direct references to the U.S. while expressing 'serious concerns' about protectionist trends. The gathering marks a pivotal moment in the erosion of dollar dominance, with potential Ripple effects across emerging markets.