FameEX Hot Topics | Decoding De-Dollarization: Understanding the Shift in Global Dominance from the US Dollar

The concept of de-dollarization has garnered significant attention in mainstream media since the latter half of 2022 and continues to be a topic of interest in 2023. This increased focus can be attributed to the concerted efforts of BRICS countries, namely Brazil, China, and Russia, who are actively working to diminish the dominance of the US dollar and prevent its resurgence as the leading global currency. While some believe that the US dollar's global reserve status is on the verge of dissolution, there are dissenting voices that argue the hype surrounding de-dollarization has been exaggerated.
There are two primary subjects that have captured public interest in recent times: the strategies pursued by the BRICS nations and the concept of de-dollarization itself. It is widely acknowledged that the US dollar has held the position of global reserve currency for 78 years since the establishment of the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944. During World War I and World War II, the United States amassed a substantial amount of gold as payment from its allies, establishing itself as the largest global holder of gold at that time.

However, the significance of this position began to wane during the Nixon administration. A pivotal moment occurred when France discovered that the US was printing more money for the Vietnam War than it possessed in gold reserves. Consequently, the petrodollar system was established in 1973, with Saudi Arabia agreeing to exclusively accept US dollars as payment for oil.

This arrangement solidified the dominance of the US dollar for an extended period. However, the strength of the petrodollar has been eroded by tensions between China and Russia. In January 2023, the Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia expressed openness to accepting currencies other than the US dollar in exchange for oil sales.

Simultaneously, the BRICS bloc has been implementing various strategic measures to conduct trade using local fiat currencies instead of the US dollar. Additionally, BRICS nations have demonstrated a keen interest in establishing a competing reserve currency to challenge the US dollar's dominance. These decisions collectively signify the ongoing trend of de-dollarization, marking a departure from the previously uncontested role of the US dollar in global trade and finance.

While BRICS leaders and several market observers believe it is feasible to reduce global reliance on the US dollar, there are skeptics who remain unconvinced about the vulnerability of the currency. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) does not foresee a swift transition in US dollar reserves despite the de-dollarization trend. Prominent American political scientist Ian Bremmer has dismissed exaggerated claims of the dollar's demise, while economist Paul Krugman emphasizes that the greenback will maintain its presence for the foreseeable future.

De-dollarization refers to the diminishing or potential loss of the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency, which carries implications for the global economy and could potentially impact various assets and currencies. In such a scenario, central banks would likely need to intervene in foreign exchange (FX) markets, necessitating the establishment of an alternative reserve unit with ample liquidity for intervention purposes. Although data indicates the growing influence of alternative currencies, the true impact of the de-dollarization trend on the US dollar's dominance will only become evident with the passage of time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for informational purposes only, doesn't represent any investment advice or FameEX's official view.