Leaders from the BRICS bloc, often presented as a counterweight to the West, will soon meet in Rio de Janeiro, just as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to reignite his trade war with a flurry of new unilateral tariffs.
The Trump Administration’s pause on reciprocal tariffs expires on July 9; without an extension, tariffs will rise back to levels first proposed on April 2.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending in person, due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. As an ICC member, Brazil would be obligated to arrest Putin on arrival.
Interest in BRICS has grown in recent years, as countries explore different groupings as a hedge against the current U.S.-led international system. BRICS membership might also lead to better access to markets like China.
