BRICS Opposes EU's CBAM, Calls Carbon Trade Measures Unilateral, Protectionist

New Delhi, Aug 24 (KNN) BRICS countries, including India, China, Russia, South Africa and Brazil, have opposed the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other similar trade measures, describing them as unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist.

In a joint ministerial statement adopted at the conclusion of the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting, the member countries said such measures were not consistent with international law and could undermine efforts by developing countries to address climate change and strengthen their resilience.

CBAM, which entered its operational phase on January 1, imposes a carbon-related cost on imports of emissions-intensive products such as iron and steel, aluminium and cement entering the EU, reported Times Of India.

India has opposed the mechanism since its introduction, arguing that it could place an additional burden on businesses in developing countries by factoring the embedded emissions of their products into trade costs.

BRICS Raises Concerns Over Trade Measures

The BRICS countries said unilateral environmental trade measures could create additional barriers for developing economies and undermine their efforts to pursue climate action.

The bloc's position reflects broader concerns among developing countries that carbon-related trade measures could affect the competitiveness of their exports and impose additional compliance costs on businesses.

Focus on Climate Cooperation

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who addressed the meeting held under India's BRICS chairship in 2026, highlighted growing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks.

Yadav called for greater cooperation among the 11 BRICS member countries on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning systems, response and post-fire recovery.

BRICS Adopts Four Outcome Documents

The meeting also saw the release of four knowledge compendiums prepared by the BRICS Environment Working Group, covering practices, knowledge systems and innovations across member countries.

The member countries adopted four outcome documents, including terms of reference for a network of BRICS institutions aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, research and innovation on sustainable lifestyles and integrated landscape management to address desertification.

(KNN Bureau)