Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
1 comment 
Brazil Assumes Rotating Presidency of Brics, Block Formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Among the Priorities Are the Possible Replacement of the Dollar in International Transactions, Environmental Issues, Trade Facilitation and Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
In a move that could redefine the global economic balance, Brazil took over the rotating presidency of Brics on January 1, 2025, a bloc that brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
With an ambitious agenda, the country intends to address crucial issues such as the possible replacement of the dollar in international transactions, environmental concerns, trade, and artificial intelligence.
Brazil Assumes Leadership of Brics with Focus on Strategic Issues
The presidency of Brics is rotating and lasts for one year. Initially, Brazil was to take over the leadership of the bloc in 2024, but due to the G20 presidency at the same time, it postponed the task to 2025.
-
Commerce, supermarkets, and bakeries experience a “labor shortage,” and merchants blame Bolsa Família, BPC, and unemployment insurance as major culprits, while workers outside the market avoid minimum wage jobs for fear of losing benefits.
-
While criticizing retail costs and warning of the risk of “bankruptcy” in the country, Luciano Hang invests R$ 100 million in a new Havan megastore in Serra Gaúcha, creates 200 jobs, and accelerates the plan to reach 200 units in Brazil by the end of 2026.
-
Countries with gasoline priced in cents and barrels above US$ 100: 2026 ranking reveals who pays the least for fuel and surprises with Brazil’s position
-
While millions live on Bolsa Família, Luciano Huck, a Globo presenter, says that beneficiaries create ‘workarounds’ to never leave the program and claims that the benefit does not encourage anyone to work.
During this year, the country will organize and coordinate meetings of the working groups that make up the bloc, with over 100 meetings scheduled between February and July in Brasília.
The Brics Summit, which gathers heads of state and government, is scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro.
Priorities of the Brazilian Presidency in Brics
Brazil has defined five priority themes for discussion in Brics:
- Facilitation of trade and investments among the group’s countries through the development of new payment methods.
- Promotion of inclusive and responsible governance of artificial intelligence.
- Enhancement of financing structures to address climate change.
- Encouragement of cooperation projects among Global South countries, focusing on public health.
- Institutional strengthening of the bloc.
Discussion on the Replacement of the Dollar
The possible replacement of the dollar as the standard currency in international transactions is one of the most controversial topics on the agenda.
Since the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944, the dollar has established itself as the main currency in global trade.
However, this dependency makes emerging economies vulnerable to fluctuations in U.S. monetary policy.
The elected president of the U.S., Donald Trump, threatened to impose 100% tariffs on products from Brics countries if they advance in replacing the dollar.
Despite the threats, Brics leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have shown interest in exploring alternatives that reduce dollar dependency, seeking greater financial autonomy and economic stability.
Expansion and New Members
The Brazilian presidency comes at a time of expansion for the bloc.
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group incorporated South Africa in 2010. In 2024, Brics approved the entry of six more countries, including Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Argentina, which was on the list, withdrew from participation after the election of Javier Milei.
Additionally, the bloc is discussing the creation of a category for partner countries, with status lower than that of full members, but with the possibility of participating in summits and meetings.
Among these countries are Cuba, Turkey, Thailand, Nigeria, and Algeria.
Challenges and Perspectives for Brazil in the Leadership of Brics
Experts in international relations and economics believe that the expansion of Brics may increase the geopolitical influence of Russia and China.
There are disagreements about the economic effects of these measures.
According to Professor José Luís da Costa Oreiro from the Economics Department at the University of Brasília (UnB), the expansion of the bloc reflects a struggle for hegemony between China and Russia on one side and the United States and Europe on the other.
Oreiro states that this is a struggle for areas of influence around the world, similar to what motivated the creation of other groups such as the G7.
Brazil, by assuming the presidency of Brics, faces the challenge of balancing diverse interests and promoting an agenda that strengthens cooperation among member countries, while also seeking solutions to urgent global issues such as climate change and governance of artificial intelligence.
Do you believe that the replacement of the dollar in international transactions by Brics countries could trigger a new global trade war? Share your thoughts in the comments.
É mais fácil sumir o Brics que o dolar kkk