Trade Talks Stall as Allies, Courts, and BRICS Push Back

Trade Talks Stall Amid Growing Global Pushback

Trade discussions involving the U.S. face significant obstacles. Allies such as the U.K. remain cautious about tariff adjustments despite ongoing talks. Although the U.S. and U.K. have resumed steel tariff negotiations, no major breakthroughs have emerged yet. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over trade deals with China, Canada, and Mexico under the USMCA agreement. This fragmented landscape complicates global trade relations and market stability.

The U.S. trade policy faces internal legal challenges as well. On August 29, the Court of Appeals struck down reciprocal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Policy Act. This ruling will likely reach the Supreme Court. The outcome could limit the president’s authority to impose tariffs by executive order, adding to policy unpredictability.

BRICS and Global Trade Dynamics Challenge U.S. Tariff Policy

BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, convened a virtual meeting to discuss countering U.S. trade dominance. Recent expansions of BRICS added countries like Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, signaling a broader coalition. The group emphasized multilateralism, contrasting with the U.S.’s “America First” approach. However, as reported by the South China Morning Post, the group showed reluctance to escalate trade conflicts further. This highlights the delicate balance in global trade power plays.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The trade policy environment remains volatile as multiple stakeholders push back against the U.S. tariff agenda. Legal battles and international coalitions like BRICS contribute to market uncertainty. As a result, commodity markets—especially metals—face unpredictable supply and pricing pressures. Industry players must prepare for prolonged negotiations and potential policy shifts. Transparency and legal certainty around Section 232 tariffs will prove critical by 2026.