In a bold yet controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his tariff war in 2025, targeting key BRICS nations — India, China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. While the intent was to protect American trade interests and enforce the “America First” doctrine, the consequences are unfolding in a direction that could isolate the United States. The so-called “five Pandavas” of the global economy are now uniting, not just to counter the tariffs, but to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade.
The Aggressive Tariff Offensive
Trump’s latest tariff policy is one of the most aggressive in recent years. India and Brazil have been slapped with a 50% tariff, China faces a 30% rate despite earlier threats of going up to 245%, South Africa has also been hit with 30%, while Russia continues to face a 100% tariff alongside existing sanctions. Additionally, India faces a 25% penalty on oil imports from Russia, raising the total tariff burden to 50%.
Trump has justified these measures as tools to reduce America’s trade deficit and punish nations purchasing oil from Russia. However, the approach has fueled anger and triggered strategic counter-moves by the targeted economies.
BRICS Solidarity: The Rise of a Counterforce
The BRICS alliance, which collectively represents a GDP of $26.6 trillion and accounts for 35.6% of global GDP, is now becoming an economic counterweight to the United States’ $27.36 trillion economy. These nations together handle nearly a quarter of the world’s trade, giving them significant leverage.
Instead of caving in to American pressure, BRICS members are formulating strategies to bypass the dollar in trade settlements. This united front is signaling the possibility of a major shift in the global economic order.
Brazil’s Defiant Stand
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has outright rejected Trump’s intimidation tactics. Refusing direct talks unless approached with respect, Lula is focusing on strengthening ties with fellow BRICS leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
India and Brazil have now set a target to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030. This move sends a strong signal of collective resilience against American trade aggression.
India’s Diplomatic Counter
India, bearing one of the heaviest tariff blows, has labeled Trump’s measures as “unjust, unfair, and illogical.” The Indian government maintains that importing oil from Russia is crucial for the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Xi Jinping at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China. Discussions are expected to center on forming a joint BRICS strategy against U.S. tariffs. Additionally, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent meeting with Putin in Moscow and reports of Putin’s planned visit to India are strengthening Indo-Russian cooperation.
Russia’s Strategic Role
Russia has been at the forefront of promoting BRICS economic independence. President Putin has been pushing for the creation of a BRICS reserve currency since 2022, a proposal now gaining momentum.
Russia’s role as a major energy supplier makes it a critical partner for the group. The ongoing energy trade between BRICS members is undermining U.S. sanctions and demonstrating the limits of American economic pressure.
China Aligns with India
China, already a veteran in Trump’s tariff wars, is now aligning itself with India against Washington’s policies. The state-run Global Times has openly criticized U.S. actions, framing them as violations of World Trade Organization (WTO) norms.
Modi’s planned visit to China for the SCO summit could mark a turning point in BRICS solidarity, with a potential unified action plan to counter U.S. economic aggression.
South Africa’s Growing Frustration
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed anger at Trump’s comments accusing his government of discriminating against white minorities. The imposition of a 30% tariff has further strained relations.
South Africa’s significant reserves of strategic metals, essential for global manufacturing, make it a vital BRICS member in countering American economic influence.
The BRICS Currency Challenge
Perhaps the most alarming development for Washington is BRICS’ increasing focus on trading in their national currencies — rupee, yuan, and ruble — rather than the U.S. dollar. If implemented on a large scale, this could severely impact the dollar’s current 80% dominance in global trade settlements.
Trump’s administration has already sensed this threat and has started promoting cryptocurrencies as an alternative, but the momentum behind BRICS currency cooperation is growing rapidly.
Could This End Trump’s Economic Dominance?
Trump’s tariff strategy was designed to make America economically stronger, but it may be having the opposite effect. BRICS unity is laying the foundation for a new global economic structure that diminishes U.S. influence.
If the alliance successfully launches its own trading currency and continues to integrate its economies, it could not only neutralize the impact of U.S. tariffs but also reshape the balance of global power.
The Road Ahead
What started as an economic confrontation is now transforming into a geopolitical power shift. The BRICS nations, united by a common adversary, are exploring ways to bypass U.S.-controlled financial systems, diversify trade channels, and invest in collective security.
For Trump, the tariff war may soon evolve into a broader struggle for maintaining America’s position as the global economic leader. And if BRICS’ “five Pandavas” stay united, the battle could end up being far more costly for Washington than anyone anticipated.