US Dollar Shows No Mercy: BRICS Currencies Crushed in July 2025
The US dollar is showing no mercy to BRICS and the de-dollarization agenda, as it sent leading BRICS currencies sliding in the charts in July 2025. This recent decline highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the BRICS nations in their efforts to reduce reliance on the greenback.
BRICS Currency Initiative Faces Headwinds
The concept of a unified BRICS currency or increased use of national currencies within the bloc has gained traction in recent years. BRICS is now increasingly using national currencies for trade and investments within the bloc. BRICS countries collectively represent approximately 3.5 billion people, making them a significant economic force. However, the path to dethroning the dollar is fraught with obstacles. In short, the BRICS Currency Initiative struggles against the dollar’s network effects, the bloc’s internal divisions, logistical barriers, US pushback, and a lack of global trust.
The Enduring Power of the US Dollar
Despite the ambitions of the BRICS alliance, The U.S. dollar remains the world's primary reserve currency, and neither the euro nor the so-called BRICS countries have been able to reduce global reliance on the dollar. Its established infrastructure, widespread acceptance, and relative stability continue to make it the preferred choice for international trade and finance.
Past Warnings and Potential Repercussions
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has warned the BRICS countries that if they attempt to replace the “mighty U.S. dollar” they would face “100 percent tariffs and should [they] try,” highlighting the potential consequences of challenging the dollar's dominance. While the current administration's stance may differ, the underlying geopolitical and economic realities remain significant.
The Chinese Yuan's Struggle
The Chinese yuan, often seen as the most viable alternative to the dollar within the BRICS nations, has also experienced volatility. The Chinese yuan's performance underscores the inherent difficulties in establishing a truly global competitor to the dollar. Its convertibility restrictions and the Chinese government's influence on its value pose challenges to wider adoption.
The Future of BRICS and De-dollarization
While the recent performance of BRICS currencies may seem discouraging for proponents of de-dollarization, the bloc is likely to continue exploring avenues to reduce its reliance on the US dollar. However, overcoming the entrenched dominance of the dollar will require significant time, cooperation, and structural reforms within the BRICS economies.