BRICS: China Accelerates Yuan Adoption to Undermine Dollar in Global Trade

China is accelerating its push to make the yuan a dominant player in international trade, using global tensions and U.S.-led tariffs as a springboard to challenge the dollar’s longstanding dominance.

As more countries seek alternatives to the greenback, especially following the trade disputes sparked during Donald Trump’s presidency, China sees a strategic window to expand the yuan’s footprint in global commerce.

According to research from Renmin University’s International Monetary Institute, large businesses are increasingly favoring the yuan for cross-border transactions.

Settlements in Chinese currency climbed to 24% in the first quarter of 2025—up from 21.5% in mid-2024—highlighting growing momentum behind China’s efforts to internationalize its currency. Finance expert Yang Changjiang of Fudan University described the current moment as a critical opportunity for China to reshape the global financial landscape.

READ MORE:

BlackRock Buys Nearly $1 Billion in Bitcoin

With 68% of surveyed firms now using the yuan for transactions and over half engaging in forex trading with it, Beijing’s ambitions appear to be gaining traction. The volatility in U.S. Treasury markets has further fueled this shift, as capital flows that once reflexively moved toward the U.S. are now hesitating. China’s strategy also aligns with the broader BRICS objective of building a multipolar financial world where Washington has less sway.

Alexander Stefanov