The latest data indicates that China alone is doing all the heavy lifting in trade among the member nations in 2025-26. The alliance surpassed trade volume of $1 trillion in 2025, signifying how powerful the bloc is. Emerging economies have a surplus of natural resources, including oil and food, which have made them reach the top of the markets.
However, reports state that China alone contributed 70% of trade within BRICS, establishing itself as the biggest contender in cross-border transactions. The Communist country has initiated both imports and exports, benefiting the alliance in procuring goods. Around 67% of these payments were settled in local currencies, mainly the yuan, ruble, rupee, and dirhams.
The development shows that China is operating as the main financial engine of the BRICS group. It also shows that the Xi Jinping administration is mostly responsible for the transformation of the alliance. However, each member contributes differently to the bloc with their resources. Brazil is an essential supplier of food and minerals, while Russia ships crude oil.
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BRICS Stands on the Shoulders of China
China is the largest trading partner of all members and absorbs goods through various segments. In addition, the group is dependent on China for machinery, industrial products, electronics, and the supply of intermediate goods. Professor Erik Escalona Aguilar from Bernardo O’Higgins University in Chile said that China acts as “a pillar of demand,” which handles trade flow within BRICS.
China’s exports come in both high-quality and low-quality, based on the demand, allowing importers the choice of the margins based on their spending capacity. No other country offers the best of both worlds, as its manufacturing capability is much higher. This is the reason why China pushes BRICS members to settle in local currencies, preferably the Chinese yuan. They leverage trade to push policies that benefit their local currency.