BRICS Agricultural Power Surges Amid Global Food Security Concerns

The BRICS countries are emerging as major agricultural producers and exporters, making them increasingly important to global food security. According to UNCTAD data, total merchandise exports of BRICS countries increased from $906 billion in 2003 to $5.9 trillion in 2024.

Agriculture represents a significant component of this expanding trade, with BRICS agricultural exports and imports accounting for approximately 16% and 17%, respectively, of global trade in 2025. The principal agricultural export categories include oilseeds, cotton, fish, grains, and meat, with BRICS+ accounting for roughly 20% to 40% of global exports in these product groups.

The concentration of cereal production within BRICS has two major implications: it reduces the bloc's dependence on external food supplies while enabling several members to supply international markets during periods of shortage. The proposed BRICS Grain Exchange could potentially strengthen price discovery, improve market transparency, and facilitate trade among major producers and consumers.