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BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on the Margins of the UN in New York Criticizes Unilateral Tariffs, Calls for Urgent WTO Reform, Mentions Gaza and Sudan, and Leaves Ukraine Out of the Statement.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers held a meeting this Friday (26), in New York, during the high-level week of the 80th UN General Assembly. The meeting concluded with a statement criticizing the “proliferation” of tariffs and barriers and calling for the restoration of the WTO dispute settlement system, with immediate appointments to the Appellate Body. The text addresses conflicts in the Middle East and Africa but does not mention the war in Ukraine.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participated, among other delegations from the bloc. Official records and foreign ministry sources confirm the agenda on the margins of the UN.
The current configuration of BRICS includes the five original members and countries that have recently joined, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. At the beginning of 2025, Brazil, holding the presidency of the bloc, confirmed the entry of Indonesia.
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Indirect Message to the US Criticizes Tariffs, Sanctions, and Calls for Reform at the WTO
The statement criticizes the increase of tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed unilaterally, alerts to the risk of fragmentation of global supply chains, and advocates against protectionism. The ministers call for “without further delays” the appointment of new members to the Appellate Body and the full restoration of the WTO mechanism.
This demand targets a deadlock that has persisted since 2019: the United States has blocked the appointment of judges, paralyzing the appeals system. Organizations and governments have noted that the crisis remains unsolved in 2025.
In the background, there is the recent escalation of US tariffs against partners. In August, Brazil requested consultations with the WTO to contest surcharges imposed by Washington, the first step of a formal dispute. AP, WTO, and Reuters reported on the movement.
Message to Washington and the EU: CBAM and Economic Coercion
BRICS rejects “unilateral and discriminatory mechanisms for carbon adjustment at the borders (CBAMs)” and other environmental rules that, according to the group, distort competition and disrupt supply chains. The stance affects discussions on initiatives within the European Union.
The text also condemns the use of “measures as a form of coercion” in trade policy. The message echoes the Brazil–US tension: in addition to tariffs, Washington sanctioned STF minister Alexandre de Moraes in July and, this week, targeted his wife and entities linked to him under the Magnitsky Act.
By linking tariffs, sanctions, and CBAM, BRICS aims to build a narrative of economic coercion that penalizes the Global South and harms the multilateralism led by the UN and the WTO, a theme reiterated in the statement.
Cited Crises: Gaza and Sudan, but Silence on the War in Ukraine
The ministers express “serious concern” regarding the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Israeli attacks in Gaza, advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, troop withdrawal, release of hostages, and large-scale humanitarian access.
The document condemns the attack by Israel on Qatar and the actions against Iran since June 13, 2025, citing violations of international law and regional security risks, including to civilian nuclear facilities.
Regarding Sudan, BRICS calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and warns against the proliferation of extremism. Ukraine is not mentioned in the text, which analysts consulted pointed out as a sign of focus on other crises.
Reform of the Security Council and Brazil’s Role
The group reiterates its support for the reform of the UN Security Council with greater representation for emerging countries. China and Russia reaffirm their support for Brazil and India for a “more relevant” role, including in the Council. For Lula, this is a foreign policy priority for 2025.
The statement reaffirms multilateralism and condemns attempts to weaken institutions through withholding contributions or political blockages. The implicit target are initiatives that paralyze UN and WTO bodies.
In parallel, BRICS countries are working together in the G4 and regional forums to unlock negotiations that have not advanced for decades. Records from the week in New York show coordinated meetings with this goal.
Do you think the BRICS ministers were right to criticize tariffs, reject the CBAM, and demand the reactivation of the WTO Appellate Body while ignoring the war in Ukraine? Or does this reveal political selectivity? Leave your comment.
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