Brics ministers of foreign affairs/international relations have raised concerns about the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions in the form of the indiscriminate raising of tariffs and non-tariff barriers that threaten global economic stability.
The ministers held their annual meeting on the margins of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming Brics chair for 2026.
In a joint statement, they highlighted the risks posed by rising tariffs and protectionist measures, particularly when used as tools of coercion.
“They voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. They cautioned against such practices that risk fragmenting global trade and marginalising the Global South,” the statement read.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening international trade systems and avoiding practices that fragment global markets or disrupt supply chains.
They called for adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and urged all nations to ensure trade policies promote economic development and inclusivity.
The Brics grouping reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states to address challenges in global trade and to support the interests of emerging markets and developing economies.
They highlighted the pivotal role of Brics countries in global food production and agricultural sustainability.
There was recognition that family farmers, smallholders, pastoralists, artisanal fishers, indigenous communities, women and youth were essential for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and transforming food systems.
They stressed the importance of technological innovation, mechanisation and digital solutions to increase productivity, enhance resilience and improve livelihoods.
There was a call for minimising disruptions and promoting rules-based trade in agriculture and fertilisers, ensuring continuous food supplies and essential inputs, while they emphasised that such trade should be exempt from restrictive measures inconsistent with WTO rules.
They also welcomed the initiative to establish a Brics Grain Exchange, which may later expand to other agricultural commodities.
Addressing global food security, it was noted that the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa in July 2025 had provided an opportunity to link high-level ambition with local action to transform food systems.
The ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of critical minerals for zero- and low-emission energy technologies, energy security and resilient supply chains.
“They reaffirmed the need to promote reliable, responsible, diversified, resilient, fair, sustainable, and just supply chains of such minerals to guarantee benefit sharing, value addition and economic diversification in resource-rich countries, while fully preserving sovereign rights over their mineral resources …to adopt, maintain and enforce measures necessary to pursue legitimate public policy objectives,” the statement read.
It also reaffirmed the value of Brics people-to-people exchanges, tourism and ecotourism as drivers of sustainable development. Highlighting the growth and inclusivity of the bloc, they noted that the Brics expansion enhanced its global credibility, appeal and voice for the Global South.
India will host the Brics Summit in 2026, providing a platform for further discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and strategies to strengthen global partnerships in a fair and equitable manner. – SAnews.gov.za
