Overview

• Delegates adopted the Rio de Janeiro declaration denouncing unilateral tariffs as distorting global trade and threatening supply chains.
• President Trump’s social media announcement of a 10% tariff on countries supporting BRICS’ stance prompted Brazil’s Lula to label the move irresponsible and suggest reciprocal measures.
• The declaration committed members to continue talks on a local currency settlement system aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
• Leaders expressed serious concern over potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and called for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza and agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
• China’s Xi Jinping was absent from the summit while Russia’s Vladimir Putin participated online, highlighting shifting dynamics within the bloc.