THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS ON BRAZIL'S TRADE WITH THE OTHER BRICS (RUSSIA, INDIA, CHINA AND SOUTH AFRICA)

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of the recent international crisis on commercial relations between Brazil and the other BRICS countries (Russia, India, China and South Africa). The methodology consisted of the analysis of governments' and international organizations' documents and reports on international trade. To perform the analysis, firstly, an overview on the general characteristics of the economies of these four trading partners is presented, especially regarding the consequences of the international crisis in each of these economies. After that, the trade relations of the four countries with Brazil in the last decade are reviewed. Our results suggest that bilateral trade between Brazil and the other BRICS countries, which are not characterized as traditional trade partners, has been assuming an increasing importance.