Foreign ministers from the expanded BRICS bloc failed to reach a joint communiqué at a high-level meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, revealing internal divisions within the increasingly influential alliance of developing nations. While Brazil, which currently chairs the bloc, issued a “chair’s statement” condemning trade protectionism and unilateral tariffs, the absence of a unified declaration highlighted growing complexity within the group’s ranks.
The statement released by Brazil expressed “serious concern at the prospect of a fragmented global economy and the weakening of multilateralism,” echoing shared frustration over recent global trade dynamics but stopping short of naming specific countries. The move comes amid rising tensions triggered by the protectionist stance of the United States under President Donald Trump, whose imposition of unilateral tariffs has shaken international trade rules and slowed global growth.
Consensus on Trade, Division on Governance
Although all 11 BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—shared concerns about unjustified protectionist practices, internal disagreements over other strategic issues blocked a unified declaration.
In particular, proposals calling for reform of the United Nations Security Council, a long-held objective for countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa, met resistance from new members Egypt and Ethiopia. These nations objected to language seen as favoring South Africa as a potential permanent African representative on the reformed body, exposing rifts in the group’s expanded composition.
“The expansion has its costs,” said a diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations. “Consensus is harder to build, but an expanded group also means greater collective influence, more resources, and broader cooperation potential.”
Rising Protectionism in the Spotlight
Despite the setback, the chair’s statement struck a firm tone against unilateral trade actions. The BRICS ministers warned of the “rise of unjustified unilateral protectionist measures inconsistent with WTO rules,” pointing to escalating tariffs and non-tariff barriers as major threats to global economic stability.
China, still reeling from U.S.-imposed tariffs as high as 145%, reportedly pushed for stronger language in the statement. While the final version was more measured, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized that the declaration reflected a broad consensus on trade concerns.
“The ministers voiced serious concerns about the use of tariffs and the abuse of green policies as disguised trade barriers,” Vieira said. “This shared stance is critical in the face of rising fragmentation in the global economy.”
Looking Ahead to the July Summit
While the failure to produce a joint communiqué was unexpected, Brazilian officials and other diplomats indicated that further discussions will take place ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro. Officials remain optimistic that consensus on key issues can be reached in time.
The Rio gathering highlighted the growing strategic weight of the BRICS bloc, especially in the wake of its 2024 expansion. But it also underscored the challenges of navigating diverse national interests within a coalition that spans continents, ideologies, and stages of economic development.
As global institutions face mounting pressure and major economies embrace nationalist trade policies, the BRICS bloc is striving to assert a unified voice—though unity may prove increasingly difficult to achieve.
