Zema Proposes Brazil's Exit from Brics to Strengthen Ties with the West
Romeu Zema outlines a plan for Brazil to leave Brics and reorient its foreign policy towards Western democracies with economic reforms and trade restructuring.
- • Romeu Zema proposes Brazil’s diplomatic exit from the Brics group while maintaining trade relations.
- • The plan includes resuming access to the OCDE and reforming Mercosul into a free trade zone.
- • Zema’s strategy contrasts with the current government’s emphasis on engagement with emerging economies like China.
- • Chinese investment in Brazil is growing, with over $6 billion in 2025 and Chinese workers tripling in number since 2023.
Key details
Romeu Zema, Novo party’s presidential candidate, has unveiled a foreign policy shift aiming to withdraw Brazil from the Brics group and pivot the country towards closer relations with Western democracies. His government program advocates for a diplomatic exit from Brics, while maintaining trade ties with member countries. The plan includes restarting Brazil's accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCDE), which gathers nations committed to high standards in economic and public governance.
Zema's proposal calls for key institutional and economic reforms to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and open new markets, such as changes in tax regulations, reduction of trade barriers, and safeguarding public accounts. Importantly, Zema aims to reform Mercosul’s trade policy from a restrictive customs union to a free trade zone enabling direct trade agreements. This strategy distinctly contrasts the current government's focus under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on engaging emerging economies, especially through Brics.
This pivot comes amid a backdrop of escalating economic integration with China. Chinese investment topped $6 billion in 2025, China now being Brazil’s largest foreign investor, and the number of Chinese workers in Brazil has tripled since 2023. Despite communication challenges, Chinese laborers play vital roles in sectors like energy and technology. Experts note China’s growing influence fills the economic space as U.S. involvement declines.
Zema’s vision seeks a recalibration of Brazil’s international partnerships, prioritizing alignment with Western economic and political models and redefining regional trade frameworks.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
