West Paranoid About BRICS Using Local Currency: Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Growing concerns are emerging in the West regarding the BRICS nations' increasing use of local currencies for trade and investment. This shift, championed by key members like Brazil, Russia, India, and China, is seen as a potential challenge to the long-standing dominance of the US dollar and the Euro.
The BRICS Push for Alternatives
The discussions around a common currency or alternative payment systems within the BRICS alliance are intensifying. As reported on 17 de dic. de 2025, Brazil's President called for the BRICS nations to create a common currency for trade and investment between each other, as a means of reducing their reliance on the US dollar. This initiative aims to foster greater economic independence and resilience.
Adding another layer of complexity, the potential for a gold-backed currency is also under consideration. According to reports from 19 de sept. de 2025, BRICS is now considering using a gold-backed currency as a more stable alternative, less affected by global political fluctuations. The impact of such a move on global financial markets remains a key point of analysis.
Local Currencies Gaining Traction
Beyond discussions about a unified currency, the practical implementation of local currency trade is already underway. A report from 16 de ago. de 2025 highlights how Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa nations, particularly China and India, have ramped up trade with Russia using local currencies instead of the U.S. dollar. This trend signifies a tangible move away from Western currency dominance.
Examples of successful local currency trade are also emerging outside the BRICS bloc. As indicated on 4 de feb. de 2025, Russia and Iran have officially announced that 96% of their bilateral trade is now conducted using their local currencies—the Russian ruble and the Iranian rial. This shift marks a significant restructuring of trade relations.
Western Concerns and Potential Responses
The West is closely monitoring these developments, viewing them with a mixture of skepticism and apprehension. While the BRICS nations maintain that their efforts are not aimed at dismantling the existing global financial order, the underlying motivations are not going unnoticed. As stated on 19 de nov. de 2025, while the alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa isn’t pursuing an anti-Western agenda, it’s clear they’re seeking alternatives to Western currency dominance.
Furthermore, potential retaliatory measures from the West are being speculated. 9 de dic. de 2025 saw U.S. President-elect Donald Trump warning the BRICS countries that if they attempt to replace the “mighty U.S. dollar” they would face “100 percent tariffs and should expect significant repercussions.
Looking Ahead
The future of global finance is undoubtedly being shaped by the BRICS nations' efforts to diversify their economic relationships and reduce their reliance on Western currencies. How this trend unfolds and how the West responds will have significant implications for the global economic landscape in the years to come.