With the addition of these six new countries, the BRICS are enriched by economic partners who are major players on a global scale, as well as in their own geographical regions. Find out more about their key economic performances and main sectors of industry and international trade.
Argentina
The Argentine Republic covers an area of 2.8 million km2, with a population of 46.2 million, according to 2022 data. According to the World Bank (WB) for 2022, the country's GDP is $632.8 billion, making it the third-largest economy in the region (after Brazil and Mexico).
In terms of GDP structure, the service sector accounts for 53%, industry for 15%, agriculture and forestry, fishing and hunting for 6.4%.
Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt covers an area of 1 million km2, with a population of 110.99 million. According to the World Bank, the country's GDP for 2022 will be $476.8 billion, making it the largest economy in North Africa and the fifth largest in the Middle East. The service sector accounts for 51.4% of GDP, industry for 32.7% and agriculture for 10.9%. The country is a member of the African Union.
Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran covers an area of 1.7 million km2, with a population of 88 million. The country's GDP is $388.5 billion (World Bank data for 2022), making it the sixth-largest economy in the region. Iran has the world's third-largest confirmed oil reserves (12% of global reserves) and the world's second-largest gas reserves (17%).
The most important sector of the Iranian economy is the service sector, which accounts for 51% of GDP, oil production – 23%, manufacturing and mining – 13%, agriculture - 10%. Iran is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Its membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was announced in July 2023.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) covers an area of 83,600 km2 and has a population of 9.9 million. According to the World Bank, the volume of its GDP in 2022 will be $507.53 billion, making the country the third-largest economy in the Middle East region.
The economy is based on the extraction and export of crude oil and gas, which accounts for over 40% of GDP. The Emirates have the eighth largest confirmed oil reserves (5.6% of world reserves) and the seventh largest gas reserves in the world (3%). The country is a member of OPEC.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia covers an area of 2.1 million km2, with a population of 35.3 million. According to the World Bank, the country's GDP in 2022 will be $1,100 billion, making it the largest economy in the Middle East region.
The country is also the world's largest oil producer. Oil production accounts for 46% of GDP, services for 36%, manufacturing for 10%, construction and distribution of electricity, gas and water for 6%, agriculture, forestry and fishing for 2%. The country is a member of OPEC.
Ethiopia
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia covers an area of 1.1 million km2 and has a population of 123.4 million. GDP is $126.8 billion (World Bank data for 2022), making it the third-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ethiopia is a predominantly agricultural country and one of the world's leading coffee exporters. Agriculture accounts for 37.6% of GDP, industry for 22.7% and services for 36.6%. The country is a member of the African Union and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
The 15th BRICS Summit was the largest meeting of heads of state and government representatives of the Global South in recent years. The invitees included the leaders of 54 African countries. In addition to Argentina, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia, a new list of possible members of the association will be prepared for the next summit.