Is Intra-BRICS Trade Reorienting Faster Than Global Trade? Evidence From Trade Intensity Analysis

Abstract

Traditional theories of economic regionalism suggest that sustained trade integration depends on strong formal institutions and legally binding agreements. The BRICS grouping challenges this view. Despite limited institutionalization and the absence of comprehensive trade agreements (between the Nations and as a Group also), trade among BRICS countries has increased steadily over the past decade.

This paper examines whether informal coordination and parallel national strategies can support trade integration in the absence of deep institutional frameworks. Using new trade intensity measures (based on CAGR) and growth-based comparisons for the five original BRICS economies over the period 2015-25, the study compares intra-BRICS trade growth with each country’s global trade performance.

The results show that intra-BRICS trade has grown faster than global trade for all member countries, indicating a gradual strengthening of economic ties within the bloc. The findings suggest that emerging economy groupings may achieve meaningful trade integration through pragmatic cooperation rather than formal institutional convergence, offering insights for policymakers and scholars studying regional cooperation in the Global South.