Five of the biggest emerging economies railed against protectionism on Thursday as they vowed to overcome "significant challenges" facing multilateralism, in a swipe at US tariffs and unilateral action.
The joint declaration by BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- came on the second day of the annual gathering, which Brazilian host President Jair Bolsonaro used to boost ties with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
"Trade tensions and policy uncertainty have taken a toll on confidence, trade, investment and growth" in the global economy, said Bolsonaro, as he read out the declaration that also touched on conflicts around the world, including Syria.
"It is critical that all WTO members avoid unilateral and protectionist measures," he said.
"We reiterate the fundamental importance of a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade."
Putin said "protectionism was thriving" amid the use of "unilateral sanctions."