BRICS eyes global power play

Economic Defiance: BRICS Nations Ditch Dollar 90% From Trade

EDITOR'S NOTES

In a striking move that could send shockwaves through the global economy, Russia and China have decisively abandoned the US dollar in all bilateral trade, marking a critical pivot in the BRICS alliance’s campaign against Western financial hegemony. This aggressive shift towards de-dollarization, spearheaded by statements from Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signals a clear intent to dismantle the dollar’s stronghold on international commerce. By settling over 90% of their trade in the yuan and ruble, these nations are not just challenging the status quo; they are rewriting the rules of global trade dynamics. As the dollar’s influence wanes, the repercussions could be profound, reshaping economic alliances and potentially igniting a financial upheaval with unpredictable outcomes for the Western-centric economic order.

The abandonment of the greenback in these trade dealings has been a continued goal for the economic alliance. Now, more than 90% of the nation’s bilateral trade dealings are settled in either the yuan or ruble. Subsequently, the two countries are now set to continue those efforts that have heeded monumental results.

Russia and China Abandon US Dollar in All Bilateral Trade

Throughout the last several years, the BRICS economic alliance has held firm to the hope for de-dollarization in the global south. It has opted to embrace national currency promotion in the hope of lessening Western dominance over global economics. Just four months into 2024, and that goal has taken substantial strides.

Now, amid the BRICS alliance flourishment, Russia and China have announced they have almost completely ditched the US Dollar in bilateral trade. Indeed, Russia’s Foreign Minister discussed the feat with the TASS news agency. Additionally, the cooperation in economics is only set to magnify.

US Dollar Currency Bills Notes USD DXY Index
Source: CNN

Throughout 2023, trade between the two nations had only increased. Specifically, transactions between the two had reached a record $240 billion, increasing 26%. Alternatively, trade dealings between the United States and Russia had reached a 30-year low.

This undoubtedly stems from Russian sanctions employed following the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, the weaponization of the US dollar was the premiere catalyst to birth these de-dollarization efforts. Furthermore, it has evolved into a key pillar of the BRICS infrastructure.

This development will certainly also be beneficial to both the ruble and the yuan. Moreover, it should set a precedent for increased prominence of national currency usage as a byproduct of de-dollarization. It will be interesting to see how this could influence further action from other BRICS participating members.

This article originally appeared on Watcher.Guru