Figure 9-2 South-South merchandise trade volume, 2005-2024
South countries has fueled consistent expansion mies, exemplified by BRICS countries, is poised in trade volumes. Influenced by resource en-to inject sustained momentum into long-term dowments, historical development trajectories, South-South trade growth. Leading emerging and the global division of labor, distinct na- economies, particularly BRICS members, are tional roles have emerged. Resource supplierstransitioning from low-value-added industries in natural resources; agricultural producers as advanced manufacturing, green energy, infor- mation technology, and biotechnology, offering primary processed goods; industrial leaders high-quality and cost-effective equipment and chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, and other manufactured goods and intermedi-tary industrial ecosystem. In 2022, the BRICS ates. These differentiated comparative advan- countries accounted for approximately 40% merchandise trade. Between 2005 and 2024, the and high-tech industries, including electrical equipment, chemicals, computers, and machin- e ery (UNIDO, 2024). For example, in the NEV US$1.5 trillion to US$6.1 trillion, an increase