China’s Environment Minister Huang Runqiu has urged BRICS nations to join forces in revitalizing a multilateral global trade and climate framework. This appeal highlights concerns over individual countries implementing unilateral trade measures, such as tariffs and the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as reported by state media, China Environment News.
The U.S. has been steadily increasing tariffs on commodities worldwide, while the CBAM is anticipated to be implemented in 2026. These actions have raised alarms within China and its BRICS partners, who see them as significant barriers to global climate initiatives and trade dynamics.
Huang voiced criticism at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, stating that certain nations are undermining agreements by withdrawing from alliances and imposing tariffs on sustainable energy products. He asserted that these unilateral practices hinder global efforts to combat climate change and obstruct the shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Huang emphasized the necessity for BRICS to present a united front, adhere to multilateral principles, and uphold the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. He believes this approach is vital for magnifying BRICS’ collective impact and restoring a fair global order.
He also pointed out that BRICS collaboration is essential for addressing issues like supply chain decoupling and trade protectionism. The minister noted that China has developed the world’s largest systems for clean steel production and clean energy, illustrating the country’s commitment to tackling climate change.
As the leading steel producer globally, China may face significant repercussions from the EU’s CBAM, which imposes a carbon price on imported steel. Additionally, India stressed the significance of the upcoming UN 30th Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, as vital for enhancing global adaptation and resilience efforts.
It called attention to the Baku to Belem Roadmap, which aims to secure $1.3 trillion in climate finance to support nationally determined contributions (NDCs). India emphasized the necessity for developed nations to meet their financial pledges, criticizing the inadequate proposed amount of $300 billion annually by 2035.
This sentiment aligned with China’s call for BRICS to stand united in multilateral platforms to advocate for the interests of developing countries.