The Global Value Chains in BRICS Countries

This paper provides indicators on the length, location, and linkages of global value chains (GVCs) across BRICS countries. These indicators are calculated at the country level using the WIOD database. We find that, as Chinese GVCs lengthen, production stages are increasingly concentrated in China. At the same time, the “upstreamness” of Chinese production stages in GVCs is also increasing. Compared with China, other BRICS countries’ positions in GVCs remain relatively unchanged. Since 2000, a new phenomenon has emerged; i.e., some service sectors within the BRICS have begun to participate in GVCs.