Leaders from the BRICS bloc of developing nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, 6 July 2025, for the 17th annual BRICS Summit.
BRICS nations converge in Rio for 2025 Summit
The event, which concludes on Monday, takes place under heightened global scrutiny as member nations navigate sensitive geopolitical issues and mounting pressure from the United States.
Originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the alliance expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing the total number of members to nine.
Collectively, BRICS countries represent nearly half of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP, and about a quarter of international trade.
The host country, Brazil, took over the rotating BRICS Chairship at the beginning of the year.
Under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” Brazil has set key priorities such as health collaboration, climate change action, economic development, and reform of global financial and peace institutions.
Brazilian authorities implemented increased security measures ahead of the summit. Military personnel have been stationed at strategic locations, and high-level international delegations have been seen arriving throughout the weekend.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending in person, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is participating virtually. The UAE is represented by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Outcome of this summit could determine how Trump imposes tariffs
The BRICS Summit unfolds against a backdrop of growing tension with the United States, particularly with US President Donald Trump, who has taken a combative stance against the bloc.
In November 2024, Trump warned of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS members should they continue efforts to undermine the US dollar, per AP News.
This warning comes as BRICS nations explore “de-dollarisation” — a strategy aimed at conducting trade using currencies other than the US dollar. The bloc’s increasing share of global GDP and its collective push to shift away from dollar dependency has drawn sharp criticism from Washington.
Trump’s administration has made it clear that any further development of a BRICS-backed currency could lead to economic retaliation.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated:
“We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs.”
Russian President Putin previously criticised US policies, accusing the country of “weaponising” the dollar.
“If they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives,” Putin said, supporting Russia’s push for a new international payment system independent of the SWIFT network.
Analysts suggest that BRICS’ internal divisions, especially after expansion, may limit its ability to present a unified front on contentious issues. However, the summit’s agenda — which includes discussions on Israel’s actions in Iran and the humanitarian situation in Gaza — signals a careful approach aimed at keeping focus on development goals while avoiding direct confrontation with the US.
The decisions taken at this summit may influence whether Trump follows through on his tariff threats, with many watching to see if the bloc moves closer to establishing a formal alternative to the dollar in global trade.