
The idea of a new reserve currency is gaining traction, and the BRICS currency is at the forefront of this movement. The BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - are working together to create a single currency that can rival the US dollar.
The BRICS currency is designed to be more stable and less volatile than the US dollar, with a managed float system that allows for greater flexibility. This system is based on the Chinese currency, the renminbi, which has been steadily gaining international acceptance.
The BRICS currency is expected to be launched in the near future, with some reports suggesting it could be as early as 2025. This new currency has the potential to disrupt the current global financial system and give the BRICS countries more control over their economic destinies.
You might like: New Thailand Currency
De-Dollarization's Moment
The BRICS countries' combined population of 3.3 billion people is a staggering number that could significantly impact the global economy.
If the BRICS currency were to become widely used, it could rapidly reduce demand for the dollar, causing its value to decrease.
The dollar's current dominance in global trade is largely due to its widespread acceptance, but a new global monetary system could be on the horizon.
Weakening the dollar could lay the groundwork for this shift, and it's an idea that's gaining traction.
Additional reading: Does Canada Have Their Own Currency
Country Unification
The BRICS countries are taking a significant step towards country unification by creating a common currency. This move aims to reduce their dependence on the US dollar.
One of the main reasons for this shift is the risk of dollar fluctuations, which can have a devastating impact on their economies. The US dollar's value can drop or rise suddenly, affecting the BRICS countries' trade and financial stability.
Sanctions imposed by the US can also limit a country's financial resources, as seen in Russia's case since the outbreak of its war with Ukraine. This has led to a loss of financial freedom and a reliance on other currencies.
The BRICS countries are looking to create a more stable financial system, one that is not controlled by a single country or currency. By doing so, they hope to reduce their exposure to external risks and promote economic growth.
Suggestion: Bahraini Dinar Which Country
Dedollarisation?
The concept of dedollarization has been gaining momentum over the past few years, with the BRICS nations playing a key role in this strategy. They aim to diversify their foreign exchange reserves and promote the use of their national currencies.
The BRICS nations represent over 26% of the world's GDP, making them a significant force in the global economy. Their efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar are starting to pay off.
China has been actively promoting the use of the yuan in international transactions and currency swap agreements. This is a strategic move to increase the yuan's global acceptance.
Russia has also stepped up efforts to reduce its dependence on the dollar, favoring trade in rubles and yuan. This shift is part of a broader trend to reduce the dollar's dominance.
By the end of 2023, the dollar accounted for approximately 58% of global foreign exchange reserves, down from over 70% in the 1990s.
For another approach, see: Russian Foreign Currency Reserves
Currency Alternatives
As we explore alternative currencies, it's worth noting that the Chinese yuan, or renminbi (RMB), has been growing in influence as a global currency.
The yuan is now the fifth most widely traded currency in the world, with a significant portion of international trade conducted in RMB.
The Indian rupee has also been gaining traction, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively promoting its use in international transactions.
The rupee's growing importance is evident in its inclusion in the IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket, a move that could further boost its global acceptance.
The Brazilian real and the Russian ruble are also emerging as viable alternatives, with Brazil and Russia actively exploring new trade agreements to promote their respective currencies.
Discover more: Crypto Currencies India
RMB
The RMB, or Renminbi, is China's official currency.
It's also known as the yuan, with the symbol ¥ representing it.
The RMB is a fiat currency, meaning its value is not backed by any physical commodity.
For your interest: Yuan or Renminbi
It's widely accepted in China and is also used in some other countries.
The RMB is divided into 100 fen, but fen are no longer in circulation.
The RMB is managed by the People's Bank of China.
China has been gradually opening up its capital account to allow for more foreign exchange transactions.
Discover more: Argentina China Currency Swap
Local Currency Settlement and Exchange Platform
Local Currency Settlement and Exchange Platform is a game-changer for individuals and businesses looking to reduce their reliance on traditional fiat currencies.
It allows users to settle transactions in their local currency, eliminating the need for foreign exchange fees and volatility.
This platform uses blockchain technology to facilitate fast and secure transactions, reducing the risk of errors and fraud.
By using a local currency settlement and exchange platform, businesses can save up to 90% on transaction costs compared to traditional payment methods.
This can be a huge cost savings for companies that make frequent international transactions.
You might like: Functional Currency vs Local Currency
The platform also provides real-time exchange rates, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing the risk of exchange rate losses.
This can be especially beneficial for individuals and businesses that need to make frequent transactions in different currencies.
The platform's use of blockchain technology also provides a transparent and tamper-proof record of all transactions.
This can help to build trust and confidence in the platform, which is essential for widespread adoption.
By providing a secure, efficient, and cost-effective way to settle transactions, local currency settlement and exchange platforms are an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.
Financial Impact
The financial impact of a BRICS currency is still unclear, but two possible scenarios have been proposed.
It's possible that the new currency could coexist with local currencies, primarily used in international trade and specific transactions, such as commodities.
A more significant change could be a gradual replacement of local currencies by the new super-common currency, similar to what happened in the Eurozone countries in 2002.
Suggestion: Money from New Zealand
Gold and Currency
Gold could be affected by the BRICS currency, with some speculating that the new currency may be backed by a basket of commodities, including gold.
This would give BRICS countries a strong incentive to increase their gold reserves to support the value of their new currency, which they are already doing. In 2023, China added 102 metric tons of gold to its reserves, while Russia added 31.1 metric tons.
Market distrust of the new BRICS currency could see investors acquiring gold as a hedge against potential risks associated with the currency.
A weakening dollar may prompt countries to diversify their foreign exchange reserves with gold, which could further boost gold's price.
The creation of a new global monetary system could cause anxiety that prompts a 'gold rush' by investors and states, which has already happened as gold's price has reached record levels during 2024.
Here are some potential reasons why gold's price may rise:
- Market distrust of the new BRICS currency
- Weakening dollar
- Creation of a new global monetary system
USD Competitiveness
The dollar's dominance in global trade is largely due to its widespread use, but the BRICS' combined population of 3.3 billion people could shift the balance.
The BRICS countries have a significant population advantage over the G7 countries, with 3.3 billion people compared to 800 million.
The dollar's value could decrease if the demand for it drops, which could happen if the BRICS currency gains widespread use.
Weakening the dollar could lead to a new global monetary system, as it would no longer be seen as the primary store of value.
Updates and Discussion
The BRICS common currency project has been making headlines since its announcement in 2023, but few details have emerged.
Experts are understandably divided on whether the project can succeed due to significant challenges that remain to be solved.
One key task required to establish the new currency is still unclear, but it's clear that the project is facing significant hurdles.
The economic and political differences among member countries are causing some countries, like India, to be hesitant about adopting the new currency.
It's no surprise that experts are skeptical about the project's success given the lack of official details.
For another approach, see: New Sheqel
Sources
- https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/24/brics-currency-end-dollar-dominance-united-states-russia-china/
- https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/politics/brics-summit-expansion-de-dollarization-reserve-currency-us-hegemony/
- https://www.omfif.org/2024/09/brics-considering-petroyuan-in-next-de-dollarisation-attempt/
- https://www.goldavenue.com/en/blog/newsletter-precious-metals-spotlight/new-brics-currency-what-impact-on-gold-and-the-dollar
- https://thetricontinental.org/wenhua-zongheng-2024-1-derisking-dedollarisation-brics-currency/
Featured Images: pexels.com