The Impact of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on Exports: A Panel VAR Analysis

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the impact of exchange rate uncertainty on export flows among a panel of 27 countries throughout the 1994/01-2014/12 period. In order to do this, we apply a panel vector autoregressive model approach. By dividing the panel into two subgroups that involve manufacturing-exporting and commodity-exporting economies, we observe a different effect of exchange rate uncertainty on exports. This has a negative impact in manufacturing-exporting countries, but does not affect commodity-exporting countries. This result appears to be explained by countries' economics characteristics, involving the flexibility or rigidities of the export adjustment arising exchange rate uncertainty.