So it looks like Trump’s tariffs have motivated BRICS countries to make major trade deals with other global powers.

First up is India and the European Union.  After nearly two decades of on-and-off negotiations, India and the EU have finally reached a “landmark” free trade agreement.

The two sides finalised the deal on January 27. According to the European Commission, the trade deal removes or reduces tariffs covering roughly 97% of EU exports to India. The commission projects that exports to India will double by 2032, saving around 4 billion euros a year in duties. That’s US$4.7 billion.

For India, the deal is a lifesaver for its textiles and apparel industry, which was hit by steep US tariffs last year. The Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on India in August 2025.  Since then, it’s been looking at alternative markets for its exports.

Meanwhile, India’s tariffs on EU vehicle imports are set to fall sharply over time under an annual quota system.  This gives European carmakers a clearer runway into one of the world’s biggest growth markets.

And India isn’t the only BRICS country to land a major trade deal in recent weeks. 

China has also announced a preliminary deal with Canada.  Under the deal, China will cut duties on Canadian canola seed from 84% to just 15% by March 1. In return, Canada will tax a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles at just 6%, down from 100%.

The deal came despite Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa pushed ahead with a China trade arrangement. 

So when you put it together, the international community seems to be sending a clear message. If the US wants to play hardball with tariffs, they’ll keep building alternative trade partners. Not necessarily to “punish” the US, but to reduce their exposure to a tariff policy that feels increasingly unpredictable and unfair.

And if it gives BRICS a leg up in the process, then hey, a win is a win.

And that’s the bottom line.