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Trump Against The Brics Intensifies Tensions And Brings Countries Closer To The China Group. US Tariffs Impact Brazil, India, And South Africa; Experts Say Measures Can Strengthen Beijing’s Influence
Trump Against The Brics has gained intensity in recent weeks, with high tariffs imposed on Brazil, India, and South Africa, in addition to direct criticisms of Russia and increasing pressure on China. The American president’s trade and diplomatic offensive, which has already targeted other partners, marks a rupture in the treatment that leaders of these countries received from Washington in previous administrations.
According to a report from the Financial Times, analysts assess that, far from weakening the bloc, Trump’s actions may accelerate the rapprochement of its members with Beijing, creating a counterweight to the American influence in global geopolitics.
How The Tariff Escalation Began
The movement gained momentum following the imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on India, motivated by the purchase of Russian oil. This change took Prime Minister Narendra Modi by surprise, who until then was seen as Trump’s preferred ally among the Brics leaders.
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Brazil delivers a giant dam worth R$ 365.7 million in Rio Grande do Sul, capable of forming an artificial lake with 138 million m³ of water, equivalent to 55,300 Olympic swimming pools and an area larger than 2,500 football fields.
Brazil has also recently come under scrutiny, accused of political persecution against former president Jair Bolsonaro, a justification that experts classify as unusual in trade policy. South Africa had already been targeted by tariffs and criticisms, with unproven allegations of persecution against whites in the country.
Russia And China At The Center Of The Clash
The tone regarding Russia has also changed. While Trump previously avoided openly criticizing Vladimir Putin, he now holds him responsible for the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China remains a top priority in American foreign policy, viewed by the US government, both Republicans and Democrats, as a main strategic and economic rival.
Actions against other Brics countries are interpreted as part of a broader strategy to isolate Beijing, making it difficult for the bloc to advance in joint trade and investment projects.
Possible Effects For The Brics
The reaction of the bloc’s leaders, such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Narendra Modi, and Cyril Ramaphosa, indicates that the American sanctions may have the opposite effect of what was expected. Instead of weakening the group, the measures tend to strengthen ties with China, which offers commercial and financial alternatives in light of the restrictions imposed by Washington.
Exceptions like Saudi Arabia, which maintains a good relationship with the US due to oil and arms purchases, show that the American stance is selective. For countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa, the risk of further trade attacks remains high.
In your opinion, will Trump’s war against the Brics weaken the bloc or end up strengthening the partnership with China even further? How could this impact the Brazilian economy? Share your point of view in the comments.
A curto prazo, sim, mas a médio é longo prazo é salutar para os países atingidos pelo governo Trump.
Em ferida infecciosas não se usa pano quente, e sim bisturi. Dói mas ****ra.