BRICS Pushback Signals Decline of US Dollar
American trend forecaster Gerald Celente has issued a stark warning — the global dominance of the US dollar is waning. In a recent podcast with Cuban-American journalist Rick Sanchez, Celente pointed to the economic independence of countries like India and China, coupled with the assertive stance of the BRICS bloc, as signs of a shifting world order.
When asked about India’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite US sanctions, Celente was blunt. “Only 2% of their GDP comes from trade with the United States,” he said. “They’re becoming more self-sustaining, making their own products, and buying them locally. That’s what America used to do.”
Rising Economic Independence of BRICS Nations
Celente stressed that China, once lacking in heavy industry and high-tech capabilities, now leads the world in many sectors, including electric vehicles. “They’re becoming more self-sufficient,” he said.
The comments come against a backdrop of escalating tensions over US tariffs — including a 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to its oil purchases from Russia. Brazil has faced similar trade penalties, further straining ties between Washington and key BRICS members.
“What business is it of mine as an American, what India and Russia do with each other?” Celente questioned, criticizing Washington’s attempts to dictate foreign nations’ economic choices.
BRICS Unity and Growing Global Influence
The BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — represents over 40% of the world’s population and has become increasingly vocal against US-led economic policies. Celente highlighted the scale of this shift: “India has 1.4 billion people. China has 1.4 billion people. America has 347 million.”
In a sign of strengthening cooperation, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the economic impact of US tariffs. Both leaders agreed on the need to expand trade cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral trade volumes. Lula also confirmed plans to visit India in early 2026.
Predictions of the Dollar’s Decline
Celente described the trend as “the death of the dollar,” arguing that US monetary policy decisions — including the 2018 interest rate cuts under President Donald Trump — have weakened the currency. “The economy is going down. The death of the dollar has already begun,” he warned.
BRICS nations have been actively seeking alternatives to the US dollar in trade settlements. This push is part of a broader strategy to establish independent financial systems, reducing reliance on Western-controlled institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Shift From Economic Growth to Military Focus
Celente also criticized America’s priorities, claiming the nation has focused too heavily on military dominance at the expense of economic development. “America has become the country that our founding fathers fought against,” he said. “Rather than building up the economy, we built up the military.”
The BRICS challenge to US hegemony underscores a significant geopolitical transformation. With the bloc’s combined population, growing economic strength, and coordinated resistance to US policies, the “death of the dollar” may shift from prediction to reality sooner than expected.