Despite concerns that the BRICS bloc is facing from the incoming Trump administration, his 100% tariff threat has not deterred interest, with 20 nations reportedly seeking to join the economic alliance. Indeed, the US President-elect targeted the group earlier this month. Yet, that has not slowed down the number of nations that have sought to become members.

The bloc has expanded for two consecutive years after remaining a five-country collective for more than two decades. Although geopolitical concerns are abounding regarding the groups’ de-dollarization push, there is no shortage of countries that have expressed their desire to increase participation within the bloc.

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Trump Tariff Can’t Hinder BRICS Growth as 20 Nations Still Want to Join

The last two years have seen the global south enjoy an unprecedented growth trajectory. Indeed, the BRICS bloc has emerged with a burgeoning voice that is calling for the continued de-dollarization of global economics. Moreover, they have continued to seek the promotion of local currency in that very pursuit.

That has drawn the ire of the incoming commander in chief for the United States. Indeed, Donald Trump has threatened the group specifically, challenging the bloc to no longer seek to ditch the US dollar or risk prohibited trade with the country.

That has not yet had the effect that the President-elect has hoped, as BRICS growth plans look unfazed by Trump’s tariff threat, as 20 nations are still seeking entry into the group.

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According to Russian presidential aid Yury Ushakov, there are a host of nations still in communication with the bloc regarding their membership. “The doors of the association remain open to lie-minded countries,” Ushakov stated. “At the moment, over two dozen more countries have shown interest in systemic dialogue with BRICS,” he added.

Ushakov noted that the list of nations includes Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Laos, Kuwait, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.”

At its most recent annual summit, the BRICS bloc introduced its new partner nation group. This represents a collection of countries that partner with the bloc but have limited benefits when compared to active members. To this point, 9 partner nations have been introduced by the collective.