BRICS 21 Countries: Did They Officially Ditch the US Dollar? Understanding De-Dollarization Efforts
The claim that BRICS nations and allied countries have completely abandoned the US dollar is gaining traction. But what's the real story? Are 21 countries truly moving away from the dollar in 2023 and beyond? Let's delve into the details of this significant shift in global economics.
While the headlines might be sensational, a more accurate picture emerges when examining the broader trend of de-dollarization. Several alliances in Asia, Africa, and South America are actively seeking to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar. The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with the ASEAN bloc, are at the forefront of this challenge.
It's important to note a correction in the timing frequently circulated. According to available reports, the ASEAN bloc initially decided to reduce reliance on the US dollar for cross-border transactions in March 2025. Subsequently, the BRICS alliance made a similar conclusion in August 2025. This indicates a move towards reducing dollar dependency, not a sudden and complete abandonment in 2023.
Reports indicate that a total of 21 countries, encompassing the BRICS alliance and the ASEAN bloc, have officially agreed to reduce their dependence on the US dollar for global trade. They are planning to explore alternative currencies and payment systems for international transactions.
This shift is not happening overnight. Two different alliances are officially pursuing strategies to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for global trade in 2025. The ASEAN bloc's initiative preceded the BRICS' decision, highlighting a concerted effort across multiple nations.
Key BRICS members like India and Indonesia are actively promoting trade settlements in their local currencies. They have officially agreed to explore alternatives to the US dollar for cross-border transactions, opting instead to settle trade in Rupees and Rupiah respectively (depending on trading partner agreements). This is a concrete step towards reducing dollar dominance.
The increasing de-dollarization initiatives from both BRICS and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which consists of 12 countries, are undoubtedly adding pressure on the US dollar. The future of global trade may well involve a more multi-polar currency system, but a complete and immediate ditching of the US dollar by a large coalition of nations in 2023 is not an accurate depiction of the current situation.