BRICS condemns unilateral tariffs, backs WTO reforms, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• BRICS nations, in the New Delhi Declaration 2026, condemned the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, citing actions by the US and EU.
• The declaration stated that these protectionist measures distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.
• BRICS members advocated for comprehensive WTO reforms to enhance its responsiveness to emerging markets and developing economies.
• The group also condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, such as economic sanctions, highlighting their negative implications for human rights and development.
• BRICS reaffirmed support for foundational WTO principles, including Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Treatment and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT).

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Detailed Insights:

• The BRICS condemnation addresses protectionist policies like US tariffs and EU carbon tariffs, which are seen as trade-restrictive actions.
• EU carbon tariffs are specifically criticized for disregarding Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions meant for developing nations.
• Unilateral sanctions are noted to disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, exacerbating economic disparities and environmental challenges.
• BRICS aims to strengthen a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system.
• The group seeks constructive engagement in WTO reforms to bolster its authority, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and relevance.
• BRICS also recognizes the importance of integrating plurilateral initiatives into the WTO legal framework, particularly those focused on development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• World Trade Organisation (WTO): An intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade.
• Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Treatment: A WTO principle ensuring that a country grants the same trade advantages to all its trading partners.
• Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT): Provisions in WTO agreements offering developing countries special rights and flexibilities due to their unique challenges.
• Unilateral Coercive Measures: Actions taken by one state to compel another state to change its policy, often through economic sanctions, without multilateral agreement.