The BRICS nations have issued a sharp collective response to the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs” policy, condemning it as a serious threat to global economic stability and a violation of international trade norms. The statement came during the second meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues, which was held via video conference from Thursday to Friday, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
The group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, engaged in in-depth discussions about the growing global trade tensions. All five nations voiced serious concerns over the disruptive impact of U.S. trade measures, warning that the tariff policy—enacted unilaterally by the U.S.—has already destabilized international industrial and supply chains, undermined the multilateral trading system, and could have long-lasting consequences for the global economy.
China, in particular, accused the U.S. of engaging in economic bullying and protectionism. It emphasized that the imposition of reciprocal tariffs not only damages the fabric of global trade but also exemplifies the broader trend of unilateralism that BRICS nations are determined to oppose.
“BRICS countries must remain committed to globalization, defend the rules-based multilateral trading system, and protect the shared interests of developing countries,” the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement released after the meeting.
The joint BRICS statement highlighted that the U.S. actions were in clear violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) principles, and several members stressed that these measures could significantly hinder global economic growth and disproportionately harm developing economies.
As part of a unified response, BRICS members pledged to enhance coordination, deepen economic and trade dialogue, and continue using multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the G20 to oppose protectionist policies. The group reaffirmed its role in promoting fair, open, and inclusive trade.
In parallel to the group meeting, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a video call on Friday with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also serves as Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services. Both sides discussed strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and coordinating responses to the U.S. tariff actions.
Amid growing economic strain, Bloomberg reported that Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, will travel to China next week to explore strategic energy storage partnerships with companies such as Huawei and BYD. Discussions are also scheduled with the State Grid Corporation of China to address energy transmission bottlenecks.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., a technical glitch affecting tariff exemptions for freight already en route from countries granted a temporary reprieve caused confusion among importers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection acknowledged the issue, which lasted over 10 hours, delaying exemptions for shipments expected to be spared under the new rules.
The disruption, paired with uncertainty around the evolving trade policies, is already having a chilling effect on American ports. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka told Reuters that imports may decline as early as May. “Global trade will slow as companies try to figure out what this means,” Seroka warned, predicting at least a 10 percent drop in imports in the second half of the year.
