A major BRICS economy has executed a landmark shift in global trade, announcing that 60% of its foreign trade is now settled in its local currency instead of the US dollar. This accelerating de-dollarization movement, gaining momentum under successive US administrations, is strengthening the GDP of developing nations while exacerbating America's fiscal shortfall. Since 2022, following US sanctions on Russia, the BRICS alliance has spearheaded this financial pivot, with China, Russia, and India successfully conducting cross-border transactions in local currencies for over four years.

BRICS: Russia Confirms 60% of Foreign Trade Was Paid in Local Currency, and Not the US Dollar

Russia’s foreign trade settlements using the ruble set a new record in February 2026. The BRICS member used their local currency for more than half of the payments for the supply of goods. The settlements come under the ambit of the provision of services under foreign trade contracts. This is up by more than 5% from its previous 54.2% settlements in the ruble in 2025.

The data shows that 54% of imports from Asian countries were paid in rubles, up from 49.9% in January. In addition, ruble payments for imports from the Americas, Africa, and European countries in February totaled 70%, 82%, and 69.3%, respectively. The BRICS member has been putting its local currency to work amid the sanctions for four years.

Russia’s top trading partner in local currencies is its BRICS counterparts, China and India. The trio is eager to internationalize their national currencies to strengthen their GDPs and businesses. Even the share of using the dirhams is on the rise, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) benefiting from the ordeal.