The expansion of BRICS into a broader BRICS+ bloc marks one of the most consequential shifts in the global trade and logistics landscape in decades. What began as a loose economic grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa has evolved into a more ambitious platform that now includes or partners closely with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. By 2026, this enlarged coalition is not just influencing geopolitics and finance but actively reshaping global freight routes, supply chain strategies, and logistics alliances—particularly across the Global South.
A New Geography of Trade
For decades, global freight flows were largely structured around transatlantic and Asia–Europe corridors, with the US dollar as the default settlement currency. The rise of BRICS+ challenges this model by accelerating South-South trade routes that connect emerging markets directly, bypassing traditional hubs. Trade volumes between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are growing faster than North–South flows, forcing logistics providers to rethink network design.
The BRICS+ logistics network in 2026 reflects this shift. Instead of linear routes anchored to Western ports and financial centers, freight is moving through interconnected regional corridors. These corridors are designed to be resilient, politically aligned, and increasingly multimodal—combining sea, rail, road, and inland waterways to reduce dependency on any single chokepoint.
Middle East as a Freight Powerhouse
The Middle East plays a central role in this transformation. Freight forwarding in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth as the Kingdom positions itself as a logistics gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Massive investments in ports, free zones, and rail infrastructure under Vision 2030 are turning Saudi Arabia into a critical node for BRICS+ trade, particularly for energy, chemicals, and industrial goods.
Similarly, the UAE continues to consolidate its status as a global logistics hub, but with a sharper focus on emerging market connectivity. New trade corridors linking the UAE and Egypt are strengthening Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean routes, offering alternatives to congested European gateways. These corridors are especially important for time-sensitive cargo and for companies seeking to diversify away from geopolitically exposed routes.
Africa’s Strategic Repositioning
Africa is no longer just an endpoint for imports; it is becoming an active participant in regional and intercontinental supply chains. The Ethiopia import-export corridor is a prime example. Landlocked Ethiopia is leveraging rail and road links to ports in Djibouti and beyond, integrating itself into BRICS+ trade flows with Asia and the Middle East. This corridor supports exports of agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods while facilitating imports of machinery and energy.
Egypt’s strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe further amplifies Africa’s role. As BRICS+ members invest in port modernization and logistics zones along the Suez Canal, freight routes are becoming more diversified and less dependent on traditional European distribution centers.
Shipping to Iran and Sanction-Driven Innovation
Shipping to Iran logistics remains complex due to sanctions, but within the BRICS+ framework, alternative mechanisms are emerging. Regional shipping lines, non-dollar settlements, and overland corridors through Central Asia and the Caucasus are enabling continued trade, particularly for industrial inputs and agricultural commodities. These adaptations are driving innovation in compliance, risk management, and routing strategies—skills that are increasingly valuable across all emerging markets.
De-Dollarization and Freight Economics
One of the most discussed aspects of BRICS+ is de-dollarization and its impact on freight. As member countries experiment with local currency settlements and bilateral trade agreements, logistics providers are adjusting their pricing, contracts, and cash-flow models. While the US dollar remains dominant, reduced exposure to dollar volatility can lower transaction costs and financial risk for shippers operating within the bloc.
This financial realignment also influences freight routing decisions. When trade is settled locally, companies are more inclined to source and distribute within aligned regions, reinforcing South-South trade routes and reducing reliance on long-haul, dollar-denominated shipping lanes.
Multimodal Transport as the Backbone
Multimodal transport in BRICS countries is no longer a buzzword; it is a necessity. Rail corridors linking China to the Middle East and Eastern Europe, combined with maritime links across the Indian Ocean and Red Sea are creating flexible logistics options. Road and inland waterway investments in Africa and South Asia further support this network, allowing cargo to move efficiently across borders with varying infrastructure quality.
By 2026, successful logistics operators within the BRICS+ ecosystem are those who can seamlessly integrate modes, manage cross-border regulations, and adapt to uneven infrastructure development. This multimodal approach also enhances resilience against disruptions caused by conflict, climate events, or port congestion.
Emerging Market Supply Chain Strategy
For manufacturers and traders, an emerging market supply chain strategy is increasingly centered on BRICS+ alignment. Companies are diversifying suppliers, production sites, and distribution centers across member countries to reduce geopolitical and operational risk. Nearshoring and friend-shoring within the bloc are gaining traction, supported by preferential trade agreements and aligned regulatory frameworks.
This strategic shift places new demands on freight forwarders and logistics providers, who must offer deeper regional expertise, stronger local partnerships, and advanced risk assessment capabilities.
Managing Geopolitical Risk in 2026
Geopolitical risk in logistics in 2026 is not about avoiding risk entirely but managing it intelligently. The BRICS+ model accepts a multipolar world where trade continues despite political tensions. Diversified routes, redundant hubs, and flexible financial arrangements are becoming standard practice.
Logistics companies that understand the political economy of BRICS+—from sanctions and trade policy to infrastructure financing—are better positioned to support clients navigating this complex environment.
Conclusion
The New BRICS+ bloc is redefining how goods move around the world. By strengthening South-South trade routes, promoting multimodal transport, and challenging dollar-centric trade models, it is reshaping global freight routes and alliances in lasting ways. For shippers, freight forwarders, and policymakers, the message is clear: the future
of logistics lies not in a single dominant corridor, but in a networked, multipolar system where emerging markets drive growth, resilience, and innovation.
