Trump Warns BRICS Over de-dollarisation Move: “Go Find Another Sucker Nation”

Trump Warns BRICS Over de-dollarisation Move: “Go Find Another Sucker Nation”

In a direct challenge to the BRICS alliance, former US President Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on exports from BRICS+ nations if they attempt to reduce the dominance of the US dollar in global trade. Trump, who has repeatedly voiced strong opposition to de-dollarisation, insists that any attempt to replace the dollar in international transactions will have severe economic consequences.

His latest warning, posted on social media, reinforces the same stance he expressed on November 30, shortly after securing victory in the 2024 US presidential elections.

Keep the Dollar or Face Tariffs

Trump’s message to BRICS+ was clear: any move to introduce an alternative currency or back another for international trade will invite steep tariffs. He warned that the US would not allow what he described as “seemingly hostile” nations to undermine the dollar’s role.

Referring to the growing economic cooperation among BRICS members, Trump stated that the US will demand a commitment from these countries to refrain from pursuing a new BRICS currency. Failure to comply, he warned, would mean economic retaliation.

His post reiterated that there is “no chance” BRICS will replace the dollar in global trade, adding that any nation attempting to do so should be prepared for economic consequences.

BRICS+ and the Push for De-Dollarisation

BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has long discussed reducing reliance on the US dollar. This movement has accelerated following Western sanctions on Russia post-Ukraine invasion. More recently, the group expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, further strengthening its economic footprint.

Although BRICS has not yet introduced a common currency, the bloc has been promoting trade in local currencies. The initiative gained traction at the 15th BRICS Summit in 2023, where Russian President Vladimir Putin urged members to increase transactions in national currencies and enhance banking cooperation.

By mid-2024, BRICS foreign ministers intensified discussions, focusing on the expansion of local currency-based trade agreements.

Despite these efforts, studies indicate that the US dollar remains the world’s dominant reserve currency. Research by the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center last year found that neither the euro nor the BRICS+ trade strategies had significantly reduced global reliance on the dollar.

Trump’s Tariff Threats

Trump’s latest statement aligns with his broader economic policies, which include using tariffs as a tool to strengthen American industry. His administration previously imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, arguing they were necessary to protect US interests, curb illegal immigration, and address trade imbalances.

During his campaign, Trump accused India of being a “big abuser” of trade policies and has now extended similar rhetoric to other BRICS+ nations. He claims that increased tariffs on foreign exports will benefit the US economy by lowering taxes and encouraging domestic manufacturing.

Economic Concerns

Economists and trade analysts remain divided on Trump’s proposed measures. While his supporters argue that high tariffs would protect American businesses, critics warn that such policies could lead to higher costs for US consumers and disrupt supply chains.

Trump’s threats come at a time when BRICS+ is actively working to establish economic independence from Western financial systems. Whether his approach will deter BRICS members or push them further toward de-dollarisation remains to be seen.

As global economic dynamics continue to shift, the US dollar’s role and Trump’s aggressive trade policies will be closely watched in the months ahead.