Trump: BRICS Countries Will Not Succeed in Weakening the US Dollar

On February 15, 2025, President Trump of the United States stated on Friday (February 14) that he believes the BRIC countries’ attempt to weaken the dollar will not succeed. He also reiterated his stance on imposing 100% tariffs on BRIC countries.

Trump stated on Friday that the idea of BRIC countries creating a new currency is “rapidly crumbling.”

“Six countries coming together. They want to weaken the dollar. This will not succeed, the effect will not be too good, it will not happen,” the President said.

On Thursday, Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Modi, a member of the BRIC nations, in the Oval Office and was asked about the issue of BRIC countries establishing their own currency. Trump responded that if BRIC countries “want to mess with the dollar,” they may face a 100% tariff.

During a joint press conference on Thursday, Trump stated that if BRIC countries want to “play games,” the United States will not engage in trade with them, and any trade that does occur will be subject to a 100% tariff.

When asked if he wanted to dissolve the BRIC countries or become a member, Trump replied, “I don’t care, but the existence of BRIC countries is for nefarious purposes, most people don’t want it. They don’t even want to talk about it now.”

“They (BRIC countries) have not put us in danger, we have put them in danger. If BRIC countries want to play games, we will not trade with these countries. If any trade occurs, there will be at least a 100% tariff imposed. When they hear this news, what do you think they will do? They don’t want to talk about it. They don’t even want to admit they are members of BRIC countries. That’s what’s happening,” he added.

The BRIC countries emerged from meetings between Russia, India, and China. Brazil later joined, followed by South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has not officially joined.

The organization does not have a common currency. Following sanctions imposed on Russia by the West due to the Ukraine conflict, at the BRIC summit held in South Africa in 2023, the BRIC countries agreed to study the possibility of creating a common currency to minimize the risks associated with the dollar, but no final decision was made.

The BRIC group currently represents 45% of the global population and 35% of the global economy in terms of purchasing power parity, with China accounting for over half of the total economic output of the BRIC countries.

Using currencies and banking networks outside the U.S. dollar pricing system allows member countries like Russia, China, and Iran to bypass Western sanctions. However, due to economic and geopolitical differences among BRIC countries, the likelihood of a new currency emerging is minimal.

Reuters reported on Thursday that four government officials stated that Brazil, the current chair of the BRIC countries, will not push for the creation of a common currency among BRIC nations. However, their agenda may pave the way for reducing global trade dependence on the dollar.

Three sources mentioned that Brazil is pushing for internal reforms within BRIC countries to simplify international payments conducted in local currencies, opening the door to reduce global trade reliance on the dollar, although they noted this is not the main goal.

During a signing ceremony for executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, Trump directly warned BRIC countries not to deviate from the dollar.

(Reference from reports by CNN and New Delhi TV)