Brics host Lula hits out at Trump over 'irresponsible' tariff threat

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on July 7 joined South Africa in blasting Mr Donald Trump for his threat to slap extra tariffs against the Brics, escalating a spat with the US leader on his final day hosting the 11-member group.

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RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on July 7 joined South Africa in blasting Mr Donald Trump for his threat to slap extra tariffs against the Brics, escalating a spat with the US leader on his final day hosting the 11-member group.

Mr Lula said the US President was "irresponsible for threatening tariffs on social media", before calling on world leaders to find ways to reduce international trade's reliance on the US dollar, a position shared by the group of emerging market nations.

Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the first leader to break cover and criticise Mr Trump for his comments overnight warning Brics members of penalties for adopting policies that he said were "anti-American".

"It is really disappointing that when there is such a very positive collective manifestation such as Brics, there should be others who see it in a negative light and want to punish those who participate," Mr Ramaphosa told reporters in Rio de Janeiro as he left the two-day summit of Brics nations.

"It cannot be and should not be."