The BRICS countries have called for the immediate restoration of a fully functional two-tier dispute settlement mechanism in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Furthermore, they expressed serious concern over the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures.
This position was set out in the New Delhi Declaration, adopted after the 18th BRICS summit. According to this declaration, the BRICS countries reaffirmed their unconditional support for reforming the WTO and strengthening the multilateral trading system, which must be open, fair, transparent, predictable, rules-based, and non-discriminatory, with the WTO playing a central role.
Participants emphasized the importance of preserving fundamental principles, including the most-favoured-nation treatment and the special and differential treatment for developing countries, especially the least developed. BRICS also confirmed its continued participation in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, which include discussions on WTO reform, and stated its intention to enhance coordination through the Informal BRICS Advisory Structure on issues undermining the organization's effectiveness and authority.
BRICS leaders reported plans to ensure the implementation of the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference and to continue constructive engagement to resolve outstanding issues. They also pledged to work on enhancing the WTO's authority, effectiveness, inclusivity, and relevance, as well as building an open global economy.
The declaration specifically highlighted the importance of finding appropriate ways to integrate pluralistic initiatives, including development-related initiatives, into the WTO legal framework, as well as developing forward-looking rules for the organization. Special attention was paid to the crisis in the WTO dispute settlement system. The BRICS countries strongly urged the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective, and fully operational two-tier dispute settlement mechanism as the foundation of trust and predictability for all WTO members. They also demanded the urgent appointment of new members to the Appellate Body.
BRICS leaders expressed strong support for the applications of Ethiopia and Iran to join the WTO. They also noted China's efforts to extend the zero-tariff regime to 53 African states with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The declaration separately indicated that the multilateral trading system has been at a crossroads for a long time.
In the view of the BRICS countries, the spread of restrictive trade measures that do not comply with WTO rules—including unjustified increases in tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as protectionism presented as environmental measures—threatens further decline in world trade, disruption of global supply chains, and increased uncertainty in international economic and trade activities. Such changes, according to the declaration, could exacerbate existing economic inequality and negatively affect the prospects for global economic development.
The BRICS countries expressed serious concern about the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and contradict WTO rules. They stated their intention to work together to strengthen the organization's ability to respond to trade disruptions, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing and emerging markets. BRICS also opposed unilateral, punitive, discriminatory, and protectionist measures incompatible with international law, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
