The evolutions of liberalization and globalization of economies have given rise to greater concern over climate change and economic development in the recent circular economy context. The composition of international trade for an individual country changes over a period of time [14, 15]. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to examine the segregated impacts of traditional and modern components of trade (exports and imports) on environmental degradation in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries in an extended IPAT framework. The environmental degradation model controls for population growth, economic growth, and, technology. Using a balanced panel data structure from 1996–2018 with panel regression techniques (viz. PMG-ARDL and FGLS), this study finds that modern exports and imports, and technological advancement improve environmental quality, while traditional exports and imports along with population growth and economic growth degrade it. Our study concludes that traditional trade components degrade environmental quality while modern trade components improve it. This finding has crucial policy implications for both international trade and environmental sustainability domains of BRICS economies.
