How US Tariff Pressure on Brazil is Reshaping BRICS+ Trade Strategy and Business Opportunities

A direct call served as the catalyst: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked Donald Trump to lift the 50% US tariffs on Brazilian goods. The conversation lasted about half an hour, during which the parties agreed on an upcoming in-person meeting. The tone was friendly, as reported by Lenta.ru. For BRICS+ companies, this is a signal to accelerate the diversification of markets, logistics, and standards amidst the volatility of US tariff policy.

What was Brazil's immediate reaction, and what does it mean for exports to the US?

Brazil is banking on negotiations, seeking tariff cancellation without retaliatory tariffs, minimizing escalation, and giving businesses a window for adaptation. Lula confirmed his refusal of reciprocal tariffs and readiness for dialogue at the government level, although he previously called direct trade talks with Trump after the imposition of 50% tariffs "humiliating," as reported by Lenta.ru and as he also stated in August.

What systemic shifts within BRICS+ are strengthening trade autonomy and competition?

Coordination of rules and antitrust policies is becoming a priority. Russia approved a new national competition development plan until 2030, focusing on cracking down on cartels, regulating digital platforms, and digitizing appeal procedures. The focus is on cooperation with the antitrust authorities of BRICS and SCO countries, as emphasized by Rossiyskaya Gazeta and as further clarified by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

At the operational level, Russia's non-resource SME exports and supply geography are growing. Through regional export centers in 2024, over 3,000 contracts were concluded for over 139 billion rubles, covering 127 countries. In 2025, the number of SME exporters exceeded 60,000, accounting for 23% of non-resource, non-energy exports. The "Made in Russia" national brand program has been introduced until 2030, according to TASS.

Iran is increasing its industrial exports to Russia and solidifying rules through a free trade agreement with the EAEU (reducing tariffs on approximately 87% of positions) and a comprehensive strategic partnership with the Russian Federation. Iran's exports to Russia grew from approximately $0.5 billion in 2020–2022 to approximately $1.1 billion by March 2025, and are expected to reach about $1.4 billion by March 2026. The structure of supplies already consists of 37% industrial goods, according to Iran.ru.

What tactical opportunities exist for exporters and investors in the next 6–12 months?

The main niches are where rules and channels are already well-ordered, and demand is growing rapidly.

• Commodity and near-commodity projects in Africa and Latin America: Growing demand for Russian fertilizers in Global South countries and a manifold increase in cargo traffic between St. Petersburg and Africa (4.3 million tons in 4 months of 2025, a 23-fold increase) create opportunities for logistics, warehousing, and local certification, as noted by DP.RU.
• Non-resource SME exports: Product lines (FMCG, medical technology, software/IT services), support from the Russian Export Center (REC), and using the "Made in Russia" mark as a trust indicator are proven market entry tactics, according to TASS.
• Iran–EAEU–Russia: Agreements on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the North–South International Transport Corridor (ITC) open niches in steel and petrochemical cooperation and standardized industrial goods. Payment and standardization issues are resolvable with early groundwork, according to Iran.ru.
• Construction materials and infrastructure: Plywood certification for Morocco and projects for the 2030 World Cup indicate stable construction demand in Africa. Local certification accelerates sales.
• Digital platforms and fintech in compliance with antitrust requirements: Solutions that enhance the transparency and competition of ecosystems will be in demand by regulators and large marketplaces.

What risks should be factored into plans?

Key risks include the volatility of US tariff policy, the tightening regulation of digital platforms, intellectual property and payment barriers on new routes, and the overloading of specific logistical links.

First is US tariff uncertainty: even amid "friendly" rhetoric, Brazil is seeking the cancellation of 50% tariffs and avoiding escalation, but the risk of new restrictions remains. Second is the wave of regulation in digital ecosystems (antitrust regulation of platforms, fight against cartels), for which products and processes should be prepared, as reported by Lenta.ru, and the course towards platform regulation is confirmed in Russia's national plan.

"The document includes specific measures in education, healthcare, transport, trade, the agro-industrial complex, and other sectors, primarily aimed at combating cartel collusion, which ensures price control in areas key for suppliers and buyers."

— said Mikhail Mishustin, setting the tone for regulatory changes.

Third are operational market entry barriers: "branding immaturity" and trademark registration issues (including in China) limit access to retail chains and marketplaces. For Iran–EAEU, restrictions on financial operations and differing standards remain—these need to be "built into" the deal design from the start, according to TASS and as indicated by the Iranian side in materials on the CSP.

Logistics is a separate point of control.

The rapid growth of cargo flows to Africa signifies a need for flexible management of port capacities, warehouses, and last-mile delivery, as noted by DP.RU.

What a CEO should do now:

• Diversify markets and sales channels, establishing "safe" routes outside the risk of new US tariffs.
• Synchronize products/processes with antitrust requirements (pricing, data, interfaces) in advance.
• Accelerate IP strategy (trademarks in key jurisdictions) before entering marketplaces and retail chains.
• Utilize REC tools/the "Made in Russia" brand and local certification in target markets.
• Test Iran–EAEU as a production and sales cluster with clear tariffs and correct standardization.

In summary: BRICS+ is rapidly building an "institutional framework"—from antitrust rules to free trade and logistics corridors. This reduces dependence on external volatility and opens practical, quickly monetizable niches for exporters and investors.