The BRICS Currency Effect: Reshaping Global Auto Trade

Published on September 16, 2024

by Andrew Maclean

The BRICS nations, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have been making waves in the global automotive industry. These emerging economies have been steadily increasing their presence in the international market, thanks to their growing middle class and their efforts to improve industrial and trade policies. However, another factor that has been contributing significantly to the growth of the BRICS auto industry is the effect of their currencies on global trade. In this article, we will explore how the BRICS currency effect is reshaping the global auto trade and what implications this has for the future of the industry. The BRICS Currency Effect: Reshaping Global Auto Trade

The Rise of the BRICS Auto Industry

Over the past few decades, the BRICS nations have undergone significant economic growth and development, which has resulted in a rise in their standard of living. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for automobiles within these countries. The increased purchasing power of the middle-class population in these nations has translated into a growing demand for vehicles, both domestic and imported.

Additionally, the BRICS nations have established policies and initiatives that promote the growth of the auto industry in their respective countries. For instance, India launched the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2026, which aims to make the country a global leader in the auto industry by 2026. Similarly, China’s “Made in China 2025” strategy focuses on boosting the country’s manufacturing capabilities, including the automotive sector. These efforts have seen the BRICS nations become key players in the global auto industry, with China and India being among the top 5 automobile producers in the world.

The Impact of BRICS Currencies on Global Auto Trade

One of the significant factors that have contributed to the rise of the BRICS auto industry is the effect of their currencies on global trade. The BRICS nations mostly operate with non-convertible currencies, meaning their currencies are not freely traded on the global market. As a result, their currencies have remained relatively undervalued compared to the US dollar and other major currencies.

The undervaluation of the BRICS currencies has resulted in lower production costs, particularly for export-bound industries such as the automotive sector. This has given the BRICS nations a competitive advantage in the global market, allowing them to sell their vehicles at cheaper prices, which has increased their market share significantly. For example, China’s undervalued currency has played a crucial role in its emerging dominance in the global electric car market, with its electric vehicles priced relatively lower than those from other countries.

The Future of the BRICS Auto Industry

The BRICS nations’ auto industry is expected to continue to grow and become a dominant force in the global market in the coming years. Their currencies’ undervaluation has provided a platform for their automotive sector to thrive and expand into new markets. Additionally, as the BRICS nations continue to improve their industrial and trade policies, we can expect to see more investments and collaborations within the industry. Already, we have seen strategic partnerships between Chinese automakers and Indian automakers, a trend that is expected to continue.

Furthermore, with ongoing efforts to increase economic integration and trade within the BRICS nations, there is the potential for the auto industry’s growth to spill over into the broader markets, benefiting both the automotive sector and the overall economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BRICS currency effect has played a significant role in reshaping the global auto trade, with the undervaluation of their currencies giving their automotive industries a competitive edge. As the BRICS nations continue to grow and develop, we can expect to see their auto industry’s significant impact on the global market. It is crucial for international players in the automotive sector to pay attention to the BRICS nations and their currencies, as they will continue to be key players in the industry’s future.