In recent years, the BRICS coalition—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has taken bold steps to grow its global influence. At the October 2024 summit held in Kazan, Russia, BRICS welcomed four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Then, in January 2025, Indonesia also joined, making it the 10th full member of the now expanded “BRICS+” group.

Also, nine other countries have been named “partner nations,” and over 40 countries—from Argentina to Algeria—have officially shown interest in joining BRICS+. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey are currently in talks or awaiting formal invitations.

Why are so many countries interested? One major reason is the group's growing economic power. Together, BRICS+ nations now represent about 45% of the world’s population and 35% of the global GDP in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). In fact, BRICS+ now contributes more to global GDP (in PPP terms) than the G7, which includes the US, UK, Japan, and other major Western powers.

With this, BRICS countries have limited say in key global institutions. For example, they only hold 15% of voting power at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while contributing 26% of global GDP in nominal terms. This mismatch is one reason BRICS+ is gaining popularity, especially among countries in the Global South who feel under-represented in Western-led systems.

What Trump is saying about BRICS and tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has been dismissing BRICS as a “little group fading out fast” and warning of serious economic consequences if its members challenge U.S. interests. He threatened a 10% tariff on BRICS imports, targeting nations aligning with what he called “anti‑American policies,” citing efforts to undermine the U.S. dollar.

Trump also claimed BRICS would “end very quickly if they ever really form in a meaningful way” and pledged to protect the dollar’s global dominance at all costs.

For specific countries, Trump escalated tensions further. In July, he proposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing Brazil’s BRICS affiliation and the prosecution of his ally, Jair Bolsonaro. That move sparked public outcry in Brazil, with memes and protests dubbed “vampetaço” flooding social media platforms.

Meanwhile, African BRICS members like South Africa and Lesotho are facing U.S. tariffs—such as a 30% duty on South African exports—as part of Trump’s policy of “commercial diplomacy,” signalling a shift away from aid.

BRICS+ has built new institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to offer financial support and cooperation outside the influence of Western countries. These steps aim to reduce dependence on the US dollar and offer countries more choices in trade, finance, and development.

The group also works together on global issues such as climate change, energy security, health, technology transfer, and sustainable development. In short, BRICS+ is not just an economic club—it’s building a political voice for the Global South.

However, some challenges remain. BRICS members have very different political systems, economies, and foreign policies. China and India, for example, often disagree on regional issues. Iran and the UAE have clashed in the past, and Russia’s global image has taken a hit due to its war in Ukraine. Managing these internal differences will be key to BRICS+ staying united and effective.

Also, there's uncertainty about the group’s real aim: is it trying to replace the West or just create an alternative system alongside it? Some fear that BRICS+ may turn into an anti-Western bloc, especially with Donald Trump back in power in the US, bringing a more confrontational foreign policy.

But others say the group’s diversity will stop it from becoming too rigid. Many BRICS+ countries still want to work with Western powers when needed, especially on global crises like health emergencies or climate disasters.

BRICS+ is definitely growing in size, influence, and confidence. It is now seen as a serious voice for the Global South and a possible alternative to Western-led world systems. But replacing the current world order is a very big task and unlikely in the near future.

For now, BRICS+ is more likely to offer partial solutions and alternatives rather than build an entirely new system. It may slowly push for reforms in institutions like the IMF or World Bank, while offering its own platforms through the NDB and other initiatives.

Now the question is:

  • Can BRICS+ stay united despite deep differences among its members?
  • Will its rise lead to more cooperation—or more competition—with Western powers?

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