BRICS : Leaders call for enhanced South cooperation amid US challenges (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The Leaders of the BRICS countries on 7 July called for accelerating cooperation among countries of the Global South on several initiatives that are currently underway, while strongly pushing back against unilateral protectionist measures, including the Trump administration's proposed reciprocal tariffs, and insisting that industrialized countries must pay for their past and current commitments to address climate change.

Trade : Trump enraged over BRICS Declaration and payments system (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The strong language in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration against "unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures", issued by the BRICS countries at their XVII BRICS Summit, has seemingly enraged United States President Donald Trump.

WTO : "Reform" facilitator seeks payment from South on fundamental changes (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The facilitator appointed to oversee the "WTO reform" process appears to have suggested some fundamental changes in the World Trade Organization's decision-making based on the principle of consensus, as well as in the WTO's negotiating function, two areas of crucial interest to the United States for which the developing countries will likely have to pay a price, said people familiar with the development.

WTO : Facilitator uses US unilateral actions to bring about sweeping reforms (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The newly appointed facilitator overseeing the "WTO reform" process has suggested two broad options - "continue with "business as usual," risking WTO stagnation amid unilateral actions, or pursue meaningful reform to modernize and making it better fit for 21st century challenges" - in his consultations with members towards the end of last month, according to a restricted document issued on 4 July.

WTO : US Congressional delegation to visit WTO on 6 August (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
A United States Congressional delegation is planning to visit the World Trade Organization on 6 August, a week in which the Trump administration is expected to conclude "a review of all international organizations of which the United States is a member and provides any funding or other support", said people familiar with the development.