BRICS held a special meeting to address global trade tensions sparked by U.S. “reciprocal tariffs.” China and other members condemned unilateralism and called for defending the multilateral trading system. The bloc emphasized coordinated action to protect developing countries and promote fair global trade.
On May 12, Brazil, as the rotating presidency of BRICS, hosted a special virtual meeting at the departmental level of the Economic and Trade Liaison Group to address escalating global trade tensions caused by the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs.” The meeting focused on defending the multilateral trading system, opposing unilateralism, and resisting trade protectionism.
China strongly criticized the U.S. measures as violations of WTO principles and a threat to the legitimate development rights of developing countries. Beijing called for joint efforts among BRICS members to uphold free trade, stabilize the global economic order, and refrain from imposing trade restrictions under current circumstances.
Other BRICS members also voiced serious concern over the negative impact of such unilateral actions on the global economy and especially on the Global South. Participants stressed the need for coordinated positions, active use of the WTO platform, and a unified BRICS stance in defending the common interests of developing nations.