The BRICS bloc is growing — and Trump’s tariff threat isn’t expected to put off aspiring members

The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has been steadily expanding its reach and influence, making waves on the global stage. At its 16th summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, the group welcomed four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This marked a watershed moment for the coalition as it seeks to offer a counterbalance to Western-led global institutions. Just a few months later, Indonesia followed suit, joining the bloc in January 2025. With over 30 countries reportedly expressing interest in becoming members, the BRICS bloc’s momentum appears unstoppable.

However, challenges remain. Despite its rapid expansion, the bloc’s internal dynamics reveal a lack of cohesion, with members often prioritizing national interests over collective strategies. “The meetings often end with discussions but no concrete action,” notes Cecilia Malmström from the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Add to this the geopolitical complexities of accommodating the disparate interests of large economies like China and India alongside smaller, less developed members, and the group’s path forward becomes murky.

Externally, the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump has vowed to confront BRICS with sweeping economic measures. Trump’s proposals include imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, treating the bloc as a monolithic entity despite its members’ varying ties with the U.S. This sharp departure from the Biden administration’s relatively dismissive stance underscores a growing recognition of BRICS’ increasing influence.

Yet, most analysts agree that these tariff threats are unlikely to derail the bloc’s ambitions. Central to BRICS’ resilience is China, which has emerged as its anchor. Beijing’s strategic moves, such as implementing a zero-tariff policy for least-developed nations in December 2024, demonstrate its commitment to strengthening ties with allies in the Global South. China aims to position itself as a leader for developing nations, offering alternatives to Washington’s dominance.

Still, China’s prominence within BRICS has its downsides. Several members, including Brazil and India, are reportedly wary of Beijing’s growing influence. Analysts like Mihaela Papa from MIT’s Center for International Studies highlight concerns over trade imbalances and geopolitical dependencies potentially favoring China. Such apprehensions complicate the bloc’s ability to act as a cohesive force. Internal tensions could inhibit efforts to pursue ambitious goals like de-dollarization—a key priority for some members, including Russia.

The push for de-dollarization, intended to reduce reliance on the U.S. currency in global trade, has gained traction but is far from actionable. Notably, while Brazil has broached the idea of a unified BRICS currency, the initiative remains aspirational at best. For now, the bloc is focused on expanding the use of local currencies in trade and building cross-border payment networks. “The global financial system’s inertia favors the status quo,” remarks Gustavo Medeiros of the Ashmore Group, underscoring the challenges of dethroning the dollar.

What cannot be disputed is its growing significance on the global stage. With more than 30 nations expressing interest in joining, BRICS is reshaping the contours of the international order. Whether it evolves into a truly unified, impactful force or remains a loose coalition of disparate interests remains to be seen, but the world can no longer afford to ignore its presence. For better or worse, BRICS is here to stay.