Donald Trump is going to save U.S. dollar – Hear that, BRICS?

Former US President Donald Trump, alongside his economic advisers, is leading a strong campaign to squash the de-dollarization efforts gaining momentum within the BRICS. With an eye on the 2024 Presidential elections, Trump views these endeavors as central to his potential policies, planning to maintain the dominance of the US dollar on the global stage.

Challenges to Dollar Hegemony

A recent Bloomberg report reveals Trump’s administration’s proactive stance, contemplating punitive measures to dissuade nations from straying from the US dollar in bilateral trade. These measures could entail export controls, currency manipulation charges, and tariffs, targeting both allies and adversaries alike. Such measures are a response from the United States to the escalating de-dollarization initiatives.

The verbal backlash against the dollar’s supremacy gained traction in 2022, notably when the US led efforts to impose stringent economic sanctions on Russia, a prominent member of the Group of 20 nations. The repercussions of these sanctions reverberated across global finance, illustrating the potential ramifications of deviating from the US currency.

Strategic Countermeasures

Trump’s economic advisers are engaged in discussions aimed at countering moves among key emerging markets to reduce their reliance on the US dollar. These discussions underscore the administration’s determination to uphold the dollar’s dominance, particularly in international trade. President Joe Biden’s recent authorization of measures to seize Russian dollar assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging economic tools to advance its geopolitical interests.

The BRICS nations have emerged as primary proponents of de-dollarization, posing a formidable challenge to the traditional hegemony of the US dollar. Discussions within the bloc, notably during a summit held last August, centered on strategies to diversify currency reserves and reduce dependence on the US dollar in global trade.

Trump has vehemently advocated for the preservation of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency, warning against the adverse consequences of deviating from this standard. He has emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable dollar, urging other countries to refrain from interventions seeking to devalue their currencies.

“I hate when countries go off the dollar,” Trump remarked in a recent interview on CNBC, underscoring his commitment to preserving the dollar’s dominance. However, Trump has also acknowledged the complexities of intervening in currency markets, indicating a more nuanced approach to dollar stability.

Global Economic Implications

The Federal Reserve’s reluctance to lower interest rates has contributed to the recent appreciation of the dollar, prompting authorities overseas to consider interventions to support their own currencies. The US imposition of sanctions on developing countries has further catalyzed efforts to diversify away from the dollar, with the BRICS bloc playing a pivotal role in facilitating alternative avenues for trade.

In response to US sanctions, Venezuela’s state-run oil company, PDVSA, announced plans to settle crude oil trade using digital currencies, signaling a departure from traditional payment channels. This move aligns with BRICS’ principles of promoting cross-border transactions in local currencies, posing a significant challenge to the dollar’s dominance in the global energy market.

Despite facing initial problems, the BRICS continues to attract interest from prospective members, with 34 countries reportedly submitting applications for membership.

While recent setbacks, such as Argentina’s refusal of an invitation and Saudi Arabia’s deliberation on joining the bloc, have slowed expansion efforts, the upcoming 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, is expected to provide a platform for announcing any changes to the group’s composition.