SOUTH AFRICA — The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has formally expressed concern over the rising proliferation of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, warning that such trade-restrictive actions distort global commerce and violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
According to the BRICS New Delhi declaration adopted on Saturday, the indiscriminate rise of tariffs, non-tariff measures, and protectionism disguised as environmental objectives threatens to reduce global trade, disrupt supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic activities. The declaration noted that these actions could exacerbate existing economic disparities and negatively impact prospects for global economic development.
The BRICS grouping reaffirmed its unwavering support for reforming the WTO to strengthen a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO remaining at its core. The declaration explicitly upheld foundational principles, including Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment and Special and Differential Treatment for developing members, particularly least-developed countries (LDCs).
“We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” the BRICS New Delhi declaration stated. The grouping committed to working collaboratively to enhance the WTO’s responsiveness to trade disruptions and the priorities of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), while advancing discussions on outstanding issues to support balanced, inclusive, and concrete outcomes.
Furthermore, the declaration outlined a commitment to active engagement in multilateral negotiations in Geneva regarding WTO reform. The BRICS grouping will enhance coordination under the BRICS Informal Consultative Framework to address challenges undermining the effectiveness and credibility of the WTO and to develop viable solutions.
The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India, began on Saturday under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting a people-centred and humanity-first approach. The event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday in New Delhi, with delegates noting that the multilateral trading system has long been at a crossroads.
The BRICS alliance has expanded beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia as full members. Additionally, the 2025 partner-country framework encompasses Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
According to India’s BRICS Presidency, the 11 member countries collectively account for approximately 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and 26% of global trade. The grouping continues to serve as a vital platform for consultation and cooperation on global and regional matters, spanning political, economic, financial, and people-to-people initiatives.
