BRICS Expansion in 2025: 20+ Countries Seek to Join the Bloc

• The BRICS bloc’s push for de-dollarization and its rising prominence in reshaping global economic dynamics have drawn significant interest from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on countries supporting a BRICS currency to challenge the U.S. dollar.

Yury Ushakov, a senior side to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that 23 countries have formally applied to join the BRICS alliance in 2025, per the CNF report. The bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is planning to expand by welcoming “like-minded nations” in its upcoming summits.

BRICS Bloc Witnesses Major Expansion

“The association remains open to countries with similar views. Currently, more than 20 nations have expressed interest in establishing a structured dialogue with BRICS,” Ushakov said in a briefing.

Among them are Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. Other nations in line include Honduras, Laos, Kuwait, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

This indeed reflects growing interest in the policies of the bloc and its emerging influence on the world arena. There is a natural pull toward BRICS because of its push for de-dollarization, which is now becoming an increasingly attractive alternative, reported CNF. 

Ushakov noted that in selecting new members, the process will be compatible with the goals and values of the bloc. “We are considering integrating nations that align with BRICS’ vision,” he explained.

Recently, BRICS has positioned itself as a key player in reshaping international economic dynamics. Its increasing relevance in global affairs has made it an appealing platform for countries from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Hence, the discussions surrounding new membership applications are expected to continue at future BRICS meetings.

Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs Against BRICS Nations

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has issued a very stern warning to several nations that intend to create a new currency outside the U.S. dollar system. He had threatened to charge 100 percent tariffs if that plan was enforced.

Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20, took to Truth Social to condemn the BRICS alliance. This comes in response to the de-dollarization efforts of the bloc as they move to adopt blockchain technology to replace the dollar with a digital BRICS currency.

“The era of countries moving away from the U.S. dollar while we do nothing is over,” Trump declared. He warned, “These nations must guarantee they won’t create a BRICS currency or back another currency to challenge the dollar. Otherwise, they can forget selling in the incredible U.S. market.”

While leaders in Brazil and Russia have floated the notion of a joint BRICS currency, internal factions have stalled forward momentum. Meanwhile, Trump’s recent rhetoric has sparked debate among Republicans, as one of them said that Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the strategic value of tariffs.

“The threat of tariffs has historically brought results,” Cruz said as he referenced trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada. Others say Trump’s bold statements may be part of a broader negotiation strategy.