The BRICS group, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was formed in 2006, with South Africa joining in 2010. More recently, in 2024, the group incorporated Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia. Currently, the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining as a full member has been raised.
Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and other countries have publicly expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group. On the other hand, more than 20 heads of state and government are expected to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, where bilateral meetings will be held with the Russian president.
In a conference, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, indicated that the current focus of the country is to strengthen the USMCA and its trade relations with various countries, apart from the United States and Canada, without currently considering joining the BRICS group.
The BRICS members have been evaluating the possibility of adding 15 countries as partners, considering criteria such as their influence in regional and international affairs. Vladimir Putin mentioned that at least 30 nations have expressed interest in joining the group.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Mexico's trade with BRICS countries shows significant figures, such as $499 million in exports to Russia in 2021, highlighting items like vehicle parts, mobile phones, and copper. China, for its part, has experienced a 12.3% growth in trade with Mexico in the first half of this year, being the country's second trading partner.
The Russian ambassador to Mexico, Nikolai Sofinskiy, mentioned that BRICS is open to the incorporation of new nations, as long as there is interest from the aspiring country and unanimity among current members.
