Imagine what it would be like to wake up one day to a world where the United States and Europe don’t dominate global power but a collection of fast-growing economies now are transforming trade, finance and diplomacy. Well, that shift is underway, with a group known as BRICS — the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
BRICS has since its formation emerged as a global change, making up for around 42% of the globe’s people — and close to 32% of worldwide GDP — more than the G7. And now it’s about to go even bigger.
In 2025, there are countries joining BRICS! This step isn’t simply symbolic — it has the potential to change the very nature of trade, the currencies used, and who has the greatest economic muscle globally. Some analysts think this might threaten Western-centered monetary systems, like the US dollar’s dominance.
But what does this growth actually mean? Let’s explain everything!
Table of contents
What Is BRICS, and Why Is It Expanding in 2025?
BRICS started in 2006 as a simple economic group with just Brazil, Russia, India, and China (originally called “BRIC”). South Africa joined in 2010, turning it into BRICS. The goal? Create an alternative economic alliance to Western-led groups like the G7 and IMF.
Why Expand Now?
BRICS has been gaining influence, but it still lags behind in global financial systems. Right now:
- The US dollar dominates global trade (used in approx. 88% of all forex transactions).
- Western banks and financial institutions control most international lending.
- Trade and economic policies are often shaped by the US and Europe.
BRICS wants to change this by expanding its reach. The new countries will:
- Boost BRICS economic power (more resources, bigger markets).
- Strengthen trade within BRICS (reducing reliance on Western economies).
- Push for a new financial system (less dependency on the US dollar).
What’s the Ultimate Goal?
Some say BRICS wants to create a rival to the G7, while others believe it’s simply about better trade deals and economic cooperation. Either way, this expansion could be the biggest shift in global power in decades.
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Which Countries Are Joining BRICS in 2025?
Several countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, and a few have already been approved. Here’s who’s in and who might join soon:
Officially Confirmed Members for 2025
- Egypt – A strategic location, huge trade networks, and strong ties with both Africa and the Middle East.
- Iran – Major oil supplier, strong anti-West stance, looking to bypass US sanctions.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – One of the biggest financial hubs, strengthening BRICS’ global financial reach.
- Saudi Arabia – One of the world’s largest oil producers, could help BRICS challenge Western energy dominance.
- Argentina – A major agricultural powerhouse, bringing more resources into the BRICS market.
- Ethiopia – One of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, providing stronger BRICS ties to the continent.
Potential Future Members (Under Consideration)
Several other countries have applied or shown interest in joining BRICS, including:
- Indonesia – Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, a strategic player in global trade.
- Nigeria – Africa’s largest economy, key in oil production.
- Mexico – Strong manufacturing and trade connections.
- Pakistan – Long-time ally of China, could help strengthen BRICS security and trade ties.
- Turkey – A major economic bridge between Europe and Asia.
How Will These Countries Change BRICS?
With new members joining, BRICS will have:
- A stronger global presence (touching every major continent).
- More control over oil markets (thanks to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran).
- A larger combined economy (potentially surpassing the G7 in total GDP).
This expansion isn’t just about adding names to a list—it’s about reshaping global power in a big way.
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What Implications for Global Politics and Economics Does BRICS Expansion Hold?
The world is currently vested with Western economies, the IMF, the World Bank and G7 for key financial decision-making. BRICS seeks to counter this dominance and increase the power of emerging economies.
Will BRICS Become an Actual G7 Competitor?
The G7 (USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy and Japan) currently hold sway over the global finance, trade and diplomacy. But BRICS is growing fast: BRICS is already 32% of world GDP (PPP adjusted) vs G7 30%.
BRICS is going to be even more robust, its share of global GDP likely to exceed 35%, with new members.
A larger BRICS means more trade deals that are not constrained by the West. But with expansion, BRICS could become a real economic competitor the G7 lacks the political unity to be.
Is the US Dollar Losing Its Worldwide Hegemony?
One of the most significant changes BRICS seeks to implement is a movement away from the US dollar in international trade.
Currently, approximately 88% of the total foreign exchange trades use the USD. BRICS countries (primarily China and Russia) would rather conduct trade in their own currencies. Some say a common BRICS currency to diminish dependence upon Western finance.
This might diminish US economic power and pave the way for BRICS countries to become financially more self-sufficient.
Rounding up Trade and Business
More members thus would help BRICS create new trade routes and economic partnerships, lessening dependence on the West.
- Increased infrastructure projects within BRICS countries.
- More robust investment networks in the group.
- Improved trade agreements with developing countries.
If BRICS works out, new markets open up for businesses and investors, changing global patterns of trade.
What Challenges Does BRICS Now Face with New Members?
BRICS expansion sounds powerful, but there are also big challenges. Fewer members means less complexity, more uniform political perspectives, and fewer potential clashes.
Political and Economic Differences
In contrast to the G7 (which have similar political systems), BRICS consists of very different types of governments:
- China — Communist-led great power.
- India — World’s largest democracy
- Russia — An authoritarian state with global tensions.
- Brazil & South Africa — Democracies with economic distress.
Add Saudi Arabia, Iran and Ethiopia, the stakes only result in more political diversity — potentially delaying decision-making.
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Can BRICS Stay United?
It is not a military alliance like NATO — it’s an economic group. But the addition of more members could also internal strife:
India and China have tensions already over border disputes.
Saudi Arabia and Iran. Have long-standing rivalries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has divided the world.
To keep all these countries on the same page about economic goals will be one of the biggest challenges.
Will a BRICS Currency Work?
Many experts question whether a common BRICS currency will be announced anytime soon. Why?
Countries such as India and Brazil are loath to relinquish their own financial independence.
The Chinese yuan dominates BRICS, but other members don’t want China to have too much power.
The US dollar remains baked into global finance, and moving elsewhere won’t be easy.
Western Pushback
If BRICS becomes too strong, Western countries might push back with:
Tougher economic sanctions on BRICS members such as Russia and Iran.
Export restrictions to constrain BRICS goods flows to the West.
Global political pressure to halt BRICS growth.
BRICS expansion is a big opportunity, but it’s also a big challenge. If the group can overcome these challenges, it could indeed reshape global power.
What Does BRICS Expansion Mean for the Average Person?
BRICS’ expansion isn’t just political—it can affect everyday people across the globe, from jobs to cost of living.
Are Goods and Services Prices Set to Increase?
More BRICS trade means cheaper imports-exports, making some products cheaper.
Should BRICS decouple from the US dollar, there may be currency fluctuations leading to discounted or inflated prices for certain commodities.
Energy prices could be affected because BRICS now has major oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE.
Do BRICS Lead to More Employment Opportunities?
More deals might create more jobs in manufacturing, tech and infrastructure. BRICS countries could drive higher wages and better economic stability in developing countries if they invest in each other.
Potential policies that could create an attractive business environment may lead to the flow of foreign investors, opening up BRICS countries for new companies and industries.
What Will It Mean for Education and Travel?
The establishment of more scholarships and exchange programs between BRICS countries.
Visa-free travel between BRICS countries could also be established, streamlining travel.
Cheaper tuition and better partnerships may make BRICS universities more attractive-More students might choose BRICS universities instead of Western schools.
Would Technology And Innovation Be Influenced By the Growth of BRICS?
Generally. expect more collaboration around AI, green energy, and digital banking.
Tech innovation can be shared by China and India, who might lead the charge in tech innovation, with the new BRICS members following.
A BRICS-sided financial system could mean less Western payment restrictions, affecting freelancers and online businesses.
BRICS expansion is not merely a matter of geopolitics — it has the potential to transform the daily lives of millions globally, introducing fresh opportunities and economic shifts.
Conclusion
The BRICS expansion in 2025 is one of the most major geopolitical shifts in history. BRICS, with new members including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, Argentina, and Ethiopia, is becoming a global force to be reckoned with.
This expansion has the potential to transform global trade, finance and political alliances, contesting Western power. But BRICS also has significant challenges, including internal differences, economic complexities and possible Western counterplay.
BRICS expansion could mean cheaper goods, more jobs, better travel options and tech growth for the average person. So while the full impact is yet to be seen, one thing is clear: The world order is changing, and BRICS is leading the centre of the change.
Since you are still here, read: Jobs in BRICS Nations: Best Industries to Watch in 2025
FAQs
Will BRICS have a new currency soon?
There have been talks of a BRICS currency, but the prevailing preference among member countries is to keep their own money. It’s unlikely to happen soon.
What does BRICS expansion mean for small businesses?
Changes in exports within BRICS would open new markets with lower import costs, benefiting companies in member countries.
Does BRICS expansion force a worldwide financial crisis?
Not likely. But if BRICS move away from the US dollar too quickly, it will come to financial instability.
Will BRICS become a military alliance like NATO?
No. BRICS is an economic grouping, not a military alliance. No joint defense pact is on the drawing board.
Is BRICS a means to dethrone Western economies?
Not entirely, but it could form a separate world system, diminishing the power of Western finance over developing nations.
References
- International Bar Association– BRICS Expansion
- Council on Foreign Relations– What is the BRICS and why is it expanding
- House of Commons Library– The BRICS group- overview and recent expansion
