De-Dollarization, 2 Countries Settle $37 Billion in Local Currencies
De-Dollarization, 2 Countries Settle $37 Billion in Local Currencies
Geopolitical Analyst: 12-15-2024
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is making significant strides towards financial independence by advancing the use of local currencies in cross-border trade.
Comprising 12 member countries, the CIS is actively reducing its reliance on the US dollar, a trend that is reshaping trade dynamics and signaling a wider push among developing nations to establish alternatives to the world’s dominant reserve currency.
The de-dollarization initiative within the CIS has gained substantial traction, with projections indicating that around 80% of cross-border transactions among member states were settled in local currencies in 2024.
This notable shift underscores a comprehensive strategy aimed at diminishing the influence of the US dollar and bolstering the financial sovereignty of CIS countries. Recent trading activities reveal that only 20% of payments in the region involved the dollar, showcasing a marked decrease in dollar-denominated transactions and reflecting the growing efficacy of this de-dollarization agenda.
In a bold move indicative of this trend, Russia and Belarus have forged a robust trading partnership, with trade deals surpassing the $37 billion mark in 2024, representing an impressive increase of 8.4% year-on-year. The numbers tell a compelling story: as these nations deepen their economic ties, they are simultaneously advancing a broader ambition shared by many developing countries to elevate local currencies within the global trade framework.
The impetus for this pivot towards local currencies predominantly stems from sanctions imposed by the United States on both Russia and Belarus. In response, these nations have embraced mutual trading agreements in local currencies, seeking to fortify their economies and sustain trade relationships despite geopolitical pressures.
This initiative illustrates a significant shift, where financial strategies are being recalibrated to mitigate challenges posed by reliance on external currencies, particularly the US dollar.
“The payments in local currencies stem from the sanctions pressed by the White House against Russia and Belarus,” remarked Russian President Vladamir Putin. By adopting this approach, both nations aim not only to preserve economic stability but also to set a precedent for other developing countries that share similar aspirations of reducing dollar dependency.
The CIS’s commitment to local currencies is echoed by a growing sentiment among its members. With 80% of trade settlements occurring in local currencies this year, the bloc is at the forefront of a regional revolution that could influence global trade practices.
The ramifications of this shift extend beyond the CIS, with developing economies worldwide observing the progress with keen interest. Many are following suit, aspiring to reshape the traditional balance of currency reliance in international trade.
According to Belarusian President Alexander Grigoryevich, the trade trajectory between Russia and Belarus is clear. With trade figures forecasted to meet or even exceed expected levels by year’s end, the integration between these two nations serves as a model for others. “This forecast, I believe, is right on the money,” Putin stated, emphasizing the positive outlook for continued bilateral trade growth.
As the CIS navigates its path towards de-dollarization, the implications for global finance are profound. The bloc’s success could inspire a broader movement among other nations, particularly in the developing world, to challenge the long-standing dominance of the US dollar.
With the practical use of local currencies on the rise and trade partnerships being fortified, the shift represents not just a financial strategy but also a pivotal step towards economic resilience and independence for member nations.
As we look ahead, the developments within the CIS and similar initiatives around the globe will be crucial in determining the future landscape of international trade and finance. If the current trends continue, we could indeed witness a paradigm shift, with local currencies gradually stepping into the spotlight, challenging the centuries-old supremacy of the dollar in global markets.