Brics members plan to denounce Trump tariffs

Brics leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from today are expected to decry Donald Trump's hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East.

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Emerging nations representing about half the world’s population and 40% of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations.

Since coming to office in January, Mr Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs.

His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting on Friday informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9.

Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty.

Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the US or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington.

“We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,” said Marta Fernandez, director of the Brics Policy Center at Rio's Pontifical Catholic University.